This module is an exercise in modern citizenship education at university level. It aims at making students better, that is more informed and more knowledgeable, citizens in the republic of knowledge. Students will gain theoretical and practical-critical understanding of the main issues at stake, i.e. the problems and challenges that democracy and civil society were confronted with in the past and present, and that democracy and civil society are likely to be confronted with in the foreseeable future. Nowadays some of the most basic knowledge and understanding of how democracy and civil society work are too often simply taken for granted. This course assumes that an active pedagogical effort must be made in order to deepen and increase the knowledge of the historical, political and social roots of our contemporary societies and their respective democratic political system(s). It is hoped that such an understanding about their making will bring forward in students a more critical, questioning attitude and awareness, and critical self-reflection, particularly in relation to how to tackle the problems of modern citizenship in all its various aspects and dimensions.

The module itself is structured along four historical blocks. Part I introduces students to the early history and the discourse(s) of civil society, covering mainly the 18th century. Part II deals with the long struggle for inclusiveness in the 19th century. Part III discusses the modern challenges of the 20th century. Finally, Part IV looks at the challenges democracy and civil society are confronted with today and addresses also possible solutions to such challenges. The subject matter of this module demands both an interdisciplinary approach and an international outlook. Thus, this module will include a wide range of readings from philosophy and history to such subjects as political economy, sociology and politics. Its main teaching components consist of a set of weekly lectures (incl. two films).

Not applicable to this module.

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

Feedback will be provided on assessed coursework, and/or in person during office hours as appropriate