Democracy - theories, practices and dilemmas

Education facts

Code: SVAM10

The course introduces and problematises different theoretical views on democracy based on Robert Dahl's seminal work On Democracy, which informs discussions of key dilemmas for democratic governments in terms of content, procedures, and practices. Central aspects treated in the course are views of demos and the citizen, and the relation between democracy, politics, and governance regarding democratic dilemmas such as automatisation and digitalisation, globalisation and climate change. Towards the end of the course, theoretical arguments about democracy are related to current democratic challenges and dilemmas. The students select a contemporary case of democracy under threat, for example in relation to "fake news" and other forms of manipulation. Instruction is in the form of lectures and seminars. Some of the seminars are chaired by students.

Entry requirements

90 ECTS credits completed in a social science subject, including at least 30 ECTS credits at the G2F level or higher, including a degree project worth 15 ECTS credits, and upper secondary level Swedish 3/B, Swedish as a Second Language 3/B, and English 6/A, or equivalent

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Democracy - theories, practices and dilemmas

  Karlstad University

  Karlstad

  Start date: 5 October 2026

  End date: 8 November 2026

  Pace of study: 100 %