Democracy and its History - Period 4

Since the end of the eighteenth century 'democracy' slowly but steadily has become more popular. Democracy as a type of government and the word 'democracy' itself has by leaps and bounds found acceptance in many parts of the world. Democracy has become the standard or the rule, while other modes of government are considered deviations or exceptions. How and why has this evolution occurred in Europe and in other parts of
the world? What sorts of changes or continuities can during this prolonged evolution be discerned in the concept of 'democracy', and how can we critically assess the dominant position of democracy? Answers to these questions will be discussed by giving an overview of the historical development of democracy since the time of the Athenian democracy, the 'Atlantic Revolutions' of around 1800, and the rise, fall and rise of democracy in the era around the World Wars. The history of democracy will be related to theories about democracy and democratization. The main emphasis will be on the Western and European history of democracy but guest lecturers will also discuss the development of democracy from a global perspective.

Contact hours listed under a course description may vary due to the combination of lecture-based and independent work required for each course therefore, CEA's recommended credits are based on the ECTS credits assigned by VU Amsterdam. 1 ECTS equals 28 contact hours assigned by VU Amsterdam.