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Deliberative Democracy and its Critics (COMM 135W, COMM 235, COMM 335, ETHICSOC 135F, POLISCI 234P, POLISCI 334P)
AMSTUD
135
Instructors
Fishkin, J. (PI)
Section Number
1
This course examines the theory and practice of deliberative democracy and engages both in a dialogue with critics. Can a democracy which emphasizes people thinking and talking together on the basis of good information be made practical in the modern age? What kinds of distortions arise when people try to discuss politics or policy together? The course draws on ideas of deliberation from Madison and Mill to Rawls and Habermas as well as criticisms from the jury literature, from the psychology of group processes and from the most recent normative and empirical literature on deliberative forums. Deliberative Polling, its applications, defenders and critics, both normative and empirical, will provide a key case for discussion.
Academic Career
Undergraduate
Grading
Letter or Credit/No Credit
Requirements
WAY-ER, WAY-SI
Units
3-5
Academic Year
Quarter
Winter
Section Days
Tuesday
Start Time
4:30 PM
End Time
7:20 PM
Location
380-380Y