What are some of the systems developed by groups of people to make decisions of importance to groups and individuals? In what ways has democracy been defined and practiced? What conditions have sustained authoritarian governance systems? How should ordinary people participate in political decision-making? What constitutes a fair and legitimate decision-making process? What are some effective mechanisms, strategies, and recipes for creating participatory governance? This course will draw from political philosophy, political theory, postcolonial studies, and globalization studies. The course takes up influential meanings and applications of the concepts of governance. Beginning with the history of the “term” democracy in the West, we will explore some of the major problematizations and expansions of this crucial political concept. We then move to examine case studies in uthoritarian and totalitarian governance, and conclude with examinations of innovative international and local participatory governance systems. Students will complete journal entries, and projects associated with aspects of governance.
