Conditions of Democracy

Course Description

"Conditions of Democracy" is an insightful and comprehensive course offered by StanfordOnline that delves into the intricate factors shaping democratic development and consolidation. This introductory-level course is the first part of a two-part series, providing students with a broad survey of the political, social, cultural, economic, institutional, and international elements that both foster and hinder democracy. Through a blend of historical and comparative perspectives, students will explore various national experiences, gaining a deep understanding of the complex interplay between theory and practice in democratic development.

What Students Will Learn

  • A thorough understanding of the factors influencing democratic development and consolidation
  • Historical and comparative perspectives on democratic experiences across different nations
  • The ability to critically evaluate theories of democratic development in light of real-world experiences
  • An understanding of the political, social, cultural, economic, institutional, and international dimensions of democracy
  • The skills to analyze and compare democratic systems across various countries and regions

Prerequisites

While there are no formal prerequisites for this course, students should have:

  • A keen interest in democracy, democratic structures, and institutions
  • A curiosity about democratic development and its challenges
  • Basic understanding of political systems and international relations
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
  • The ability to engage with complex ideas and theories

Course Coverage

  • Key concepts and definitions of democracy
  • The Third Wave of Democratization and the Democratic Recession
  • Legitimacy, authority, and effectiveness in democratic systems
  • Democratic consolidation processes
  • Political culture and its impact on democracy
  • The universality of democratic values
  • The relationship between economic development and democracy
  • The role of civil society in fostering democracy
  • Paths and drivers of democratic transitions
  • Types and means of democratic transitions
  • Causes and processes of democratic breakdowns

Who This Course Is For

  • Political science students seeking a comprehensive understanding of democratic systems
  • Aspiring policymakers and government officials
  • International relations and diplomacy students
  • Journalists and media professionals covering political affairs
  • NGO workers and activists involved in promoting democracy
  • Anyone interested in understanding the complexities of democratic development and governance

Real-World Applications

  • Analyzing and understanding current political events and trends
  • Developing informed policy recommendations for democratic development
  • Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of democratic systems in different countries
  • Contributing to civil society organizations working to promote democracy
  • Engaging in informed discussions and debates about democratic processes and challenges
  • Evaluating the impact of economic, social, and cultural factors on democratic stability

Syllabus

Week 1

  • Lecture 1: Introduction and Key Concepts
  • Lecture 2: The Third Wave of Democratization and the Democratic Recession

Week 2

  • Lecture 3: Legitimacy, Authority and Effectiveness
  • Lecture 4: Democratic Consolidation

Week 3

  • Lecture 5: Political Culture
  • Lecture 6: Are Democratic Values Universal?

Week 4

  • Lecture 7: Economic Development and Democracy
  • Lecture 8: Civil Society

Week 5

  • Lecture 9: Democratic Transition: Paths and Drivers
  • Lecture 10: Democratic Transitions: Types and Means

Week 6

  • Lecture 11: Democratic Breakdowns

Conclusion

This course offers a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors shaping democracy in today's world, equipping students with valuable insights and analytical tools for their academic and professional pursuits.