Courses :: Module, DEMOCRACY & ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP

	Overview
	This module gives students an introduction to some of the key theories and experiences of the concept of democracy, from its earliest days to the present and across a range of different societies and institutions. The module discusses both the classical (participatory) theory of democracy and the elite (representative) theory. This module also introduces the concept of active citizenship - the ways in which ordinary people take part in politics, often in opposition to the official structures - and so to the issues which arise when these two forms of officially representative democracy and unofficial popular participation can find themselves theoretically and practically in conflict.

Overview

This module gives students an introduction to some of the key theories and experiences of the concept of democracy, from its earliest days to the present and across a range of different societies and institutions. The module discusses both the classical (participatory) theory of democracy and the elite (representative) theory. This module also introduces the concept of active citizenship - the ways in which ordinary people take part in politics, often in opposition to the official structures - and so to the issues which arise when these two forms of officially representative democracy and unofficial popular participation can find themselves theoretically and practically in conflict.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Detail and Evaluate the main theories of democracy and citizenship in historical and comparative context Critically assess the contribution of social scientific analysis to an understanding of tensions which may exist in the practice of democracy and the articulation of active citizenship Evaluate the empirical trends and patterns identified by social scientists exploring issues such as: changing forms of democracy; meanings of active citizenship; popular citizen based advovacy and protest; electoral systems, political party formation, voting patterns. Develop and independent and critical perspective on the social scientific analysis of the theory and practice of participatory and representative democracy and the limits and potential of active citizenship.

Learning Outcomes

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Where applicable, Autumn repeat students may submit continuous assessment work by a date which will be specified by the department. Students are responsible for familiarising themselves with this deadline. If students do not submit by the deadline, the existing continuous assessment mark will be carried forward to the Autumn. No continuous assessment work will be accepted after this date. The maximum mark awarded to a piece of continuous assessment submitted for the Autumn repeat examinations is 50%. These penalties will apply except upon presentation of a medical certificate covering the relevant period or in other extremely extenuating circumstances, which must be communicated to, and accepted by, the lecturer/tutor prior to, or immediately after, the relevant deadline.

Autumn Supplementals/Resits

	Timetable
	This timetable is not currently available, please contact the Sociology Department.

Timetable

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DEMOCRACY & ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP