Studying at York
Can Democracy Work? - POL00069I
- Department: Politics and International Relations
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: I
- Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
- See module specification for other years: 2024-25
Module summary
This is a survey module in contemporary democratic theory. Each week it takes a challenge contemporary democratic societies and institutions face (e.g. populism; climate change; secession) and considers whether theoretically and practically democracy can cope with the challenge.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2023-24 |
Module aims
This is a survey course in contemporary democratic theory. Contemporary democracies face many challenges, from the apathy of citizens to hyper-partisanship, secessionist pressures, ageing populations, climate change, increasing inequality and racial domination. Each week we will use a particular problem or challenge to ground a discussion of normative democratic theory. We will read key texts from a wide range of contemporary democratic theorists, from Danielle Allen to Lea Ypi, Iris Marion Young to Charles Mills. And we will explore many aspects of democratic politics, including elections, voting, protest, association, disagreement, participation, representation and revolution. By focusing our discussion on particular problems facing democracy today, we will challenge students to think about how -- or whether -- the theory and practice of democratic politics can cope with the challenges of the twenty-first century.
Module learning outcomes
-
Demonstrate detailed knowledge of debates in contemporary democratic theory (PLO1)
-
Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of arguments presented in contemporary political theory (PLO2)
-
Present arguments and advanced ideas from the module in written work (PLO5)
-
Work independently to set goals and objectives in order to solve problems through gathering and analysis of relevant literatures (PLO4)
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Work independently in light of the values of tolerance and inclusivity, and recognise the ethical and political implications of holding different theoretical positions (PLO6)
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Module feedback
Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s feedback and guidance hours.
Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than 25 working days; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s regular feedback and guidance hours.
Indicative reading
Allen, Danielle S. 2006. Talking to strangers. anxieties of citizenship since brown v. board of education. University of Chicago Press.
Dryzek, John S., Bonnie Honig, and Anne Phillips. 2008. The Oxford handbook of political theory. Oxford University Press.
Habermas, Jürgen. 1994. Three Normative Models of Democracy. Constellations 1(1), 1-10.
Mills, Charles. 2014. The Racial Contract. Cornell University Press.
Rahman, K. Sabeel. 2018. Democracy Against Domination. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Whelan, Frederick G. 2019. Democracy in Theory and Practice. London: Routledge.
White, Jonathan, and Lea Ypi. 2016. The meaning of partisanship. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Young, Iris Marion. 2000. Inclusion and Democracy. Oxford: Oxford University Press.