Democracy, Terrorism and Violence

This subject is not offered in 2012.

Democracy is popularly regarded as the fairest system of government. Yet it is a widely and deeply contested concept in political theory. In practice it can vary from the highly participatory to the narrowly elitist. This subject examines the key concepts in democratic theory and the ways in which they are employed in different political ideologies and movements. It identifies the main principles in which are invoked to support the political structures of different societies. In so doing the subject analyses concepts such as freedom, equality and rights and their implications for the nature of democracy and the organization of the state and civil society. It will also explain the different forms of political agency that exist in democracies from the nation to the community and the individual. in recent years the ideals of democracy have been challenged through the emergence of terrorism, the growth of violence perpetrated by democracies, and attendant issues such as the displacement of people, migration and policies on refugees. This subject examines the status of democracy in the world today and the implications of contemporary challenges for the future of democracy.

• To introduce students to the main models and theories of democracy.
• To critically examine the concepts and principles of liberal democracy.
• To analyse alternative conceptions to liberal democracy in democratic theory.
• To evaluate the relationship between the state and democracy in the light of debates around civil society and globalization.
• To assess the roles of individuals and political community in the origanization of contemporary democracies.
• To evaluate the implications of pluralism and multiculturalism for democratic theory.
• To examine the role of violence, terrorism and conflict in democratic theory.
• To analyse the role of markets and economic rationality in democratic societies.

A 2000-word essay (50%) due mid-semester, and a 2-hour exam (50%) during the examination period.

This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% Tutorial attendance. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment or sit the final examination. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

• demonstrate written communication skills in the construction and articulation of a fluent argument.
• show the ability to conduct appropriate research into a topic through selecting and accessing relevant literature and resources.
• be able to address a topic from a critical, analytical approach.
• demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the appropriate literature and research.
• show an awareness of the issues in the practical application of theoretical debates.