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Democratic Development is intended as a broad, introductory surveyof the political, social, cultural, economic, institutional, and internationalfactors that foster or obstruct the development, and consolidation, ofdemocracy. Topics will be examined in historical and comparative perspective,and reference a variety of different national experiences. It is hopedthat students in developing or prospective democracies will use the theories,ideas, and lessons in the class to help build or improve democracy in theirown countries.
This course is primarily intended for individuals in college or beyond,with some academic background or preparation in political science or thesocial sciences. However, it seeks to be accessible and useful to a diverseinternational audience, including educators at the secondary and collegelevels, government officials, development professionals, civil societyleaders, journalists, bloggers, activists, and individuals involved ina wide range of activities and professions related to the development anddeepening of democracy.
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Week 1
Introduction to the Course, Why Democracy?
What Is Democracy? Regime Types
The Third Wave of Democratization and its Ebb
Week 2
Legitimacy, Authority and Effectiveness
Democratic Consolidatio
Week 3
Political Culture and Democracy
Are Democratic Values Universal?
Week 4
Economic Developme
Class Structure and Inequality
Civil Society
Week 5
Democratic Transition: Paths and Drivers
Democratic Transition: Types and Means
Week 6
Constitutional Desig
Presidential vs. Parliamentary Governme
Parties and Party Systems
Week 7
Electoral Systems
Choosing between Different Systems
Week 8
Ethnicity and Ethnic Conflic
Managing Ethnic Conflic
Federalism
Week 9
Horizontal Accountability and the Rule of Law
Controlling Corruptio
Democratic Breakdowns
Week 10
International Factors
Promoting Democracy
Week 11
The Future of Democracy
