LS 657 - Democracy and Democratization

(3.00 cr.)

An ambitious introduction to modern democracy and democratization, content is drawn from academic scholarship, political rhetoric, historical documents, analytical video, and current events. Larry Diamond's The Spirit of Democracy is referenced in order to explore the surge, and partial retreat of democratization in the last forty years. Two partially intertwined, issues of particular interest in the last few years are considered: nation-building and the Arab Spring. Today's challenges to American democracy are also examined. Finally, students look ahead at the uncertain future for democracy in the United States and the world.