Advanced Introduction to Theories in the Social Sciences I. Introduction democratic theory

Academic year 2026/2027
Lecturer Emanuela Lombardo, Hans-Jörg Trenz

Examination procedure

written and oral

Examination procedure notes

Evaluation is based on active participation in class and discussion of readings and will be conducted in both seminar and written formats.

Prerequisites

first year PhD

Syllabus

The course aims at developing knowledge on different conceptualisations of democracy as they have emerged in theories and in practices. As such, it introduces key debates in political science and sociology, bridging concerns with theoretical approaches as well as empirical research on democracy within institutions and societies. It includes understanding different conceptions of democracy, the relationship between democracy and equality, democratization and the quality of democracy, democratic backsliding, particularly in relation with anti-equality challenges and the transformation of the public sphere in the age of social media, as well as democratic innovations, resilience and response to contemporary democracy challenges.

Bibliographical references

Celis, Karen and Sarah Childs. 2020. Feminist Democratic Representation. 

Della Porta, Donatella. 2020. How social movements can save democracy. Oxford: Polity. 

Tilly, Charles. 2004. Democracy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.