Module overview
Most states claim to be democratic. This module looks at the theory of democracy, including foundational questions about political inclusion, participation, and equality. As a result, students will develop a greater understanding of what democracy requires and why we might value it, an understanding that will enable them to reflect critically on claims about democracy.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Knowledge and understanding of fundamental issues in democratic theory, including the meaning and justification of political equality and participation
- The ability to evaluate both proposed democratic ideals and the extent to which certain institutions realise them
Syllabus
The module will consist of five main topics (not necessarily in this order):
1) Inclusions and Exclusion
- Who constitutes the ‘demos’? What justifies broad inclusion? Is it justifiable to exclude certain groups, such as children, the elderly, or felons?
2) Political Participation
- How should ordinary citizens participate (e.g. only by voting or through deliberation)? Is there a duty to participate? Should it be mandatory? Should participants aim at ‘the common good’ or their own interests?
3) Representation
- Is representative democracy preferable to direct democracy? How should representatives behave (e.g. as trustees or delegates)? How should citizens be represented (e.g. in geographical constituencies or via PR)? Do minority groups need special representation and, if so, how is this possible?
4) Political Equality (and Inequality)
- What, if anything, justifies political equality? What are the arguments for giving some more power than others (e.g. differential competence or stakes)? What are the implications of equality?
5) Decision Rules
- How should decisions be reached? How can we identify ‘the will of the majority’? Should the majority be restricted, e.g. by constitutional rights? Are there alternative procedures that are fairer to minorities?
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
2 hours of lectures per week. All will be recorded and posted on Blackboard. Lectures will be delivered either face to face or online only depending upon University and Public Health England Guidance at the time. Total of 24 hours of lectures (2 hours per week X 12 weeks) per module.
Weekly student participation in online discussion boards. 1 hour per week delivered asynchronously. (1 hour X 12 weeks)
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Independent Study | 120 |
Teaching | 30 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
McGann, Anthony (2006). The Logic of Democracy: Reconciling Equality, Deliberation, and Minority Protection. University of Michigan Press.
Lively, Jack (1975). Democracy. Blackwells.
Pateman, Carole (1970). Participation and Democratic Theory. Cambridge University Press.
Beitz, Charles (1990). Political Equality: An Essay in Democratic Theory. Princeton University Press.
Riker, William (1982). Liberalism Against Populism: A Confrontation between the Theory of Democracy and the Theory of Social Choice. Waveland Press.
Pitkin, Hanna (1967). The Concept of Representation. University of California Press.
Beckman, Ludvig (2009). The Frontiers of Democracy: The Right to Vote and its Limits. Palgrave Macmillan.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Analytical essay | 50% |
Analytical essay | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External