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POL 320 Crises of Democracy

Crises of Democracy explores the modern paradox of a simultaneous global democratic resurgence and crisis. It examines fundamental concepts such as: direct and representative democracy; the roles of bureaucracy and citizen participation; power, equality, and freedom; the relationship between democracy and capitalism, liberal and illiberal democracy, and the role of revolt or revolution in a democracy. The course also explores contemporary issues including: the recent rise of authoritarianism, multiracial democracy, gender and racial discriminations, and global challenges such as climate change, migration, and poverty. Students will learn to evaluate news sources¿ reporting on current events and the contemporary discourse of democracy.
4 Undergraduate credits

Effective August 18, 2025 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Applies democratic theory to contemporary political events.
  • Analyzes benefits and costs of different types of democracy.
  • Evaluates one¿s own and others¿ perspectives and values regarding democracy and democratic crises around the world.
  • Demonstrates upper-division college analytical writing.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  • Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  • Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  • Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal 8: Global Perspective

  • Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
  • Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.
  • Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.

Spring 2026

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Crises of Democracy Filner, Matthew Books for POL-320-50 Spring 2026 Course details for POL-320-50 Spring 2026