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Political Science (PL SC)

PL SC 580 Modern Democratic Political Theory (3) Survey of major themes and problems in modern theories of democratic politics.

PL SC 580 Modern Democratic Political Thought (3)

This core seminar in political theory explores the continuing evolution of major traditions in democratic theory. We begin with classic models of democracy--representative, participatory, and direct--and selected canonical texts. We then examine prominent contemporary variations: pluralism and communitarianism; deliberative and agonistic democracy. We focus throughout on the changing meanings of contested concepts across democratic traditions: authority and legitimacy, liberty and equality, identity and community, discourse and power, reason and desire.

General Education: None
Diversity: None
Bachelor of Arts: None
Effective: Spring 2003

Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.