01
The course
This course will examine contemporary theoretical debates over the meaning of democracy. Approaches to democratic theory will include liberalism, neo-republicanism, deliberative democracy, and agonistic democracy. Themes will include “epistocracy,” elite democracy, representation, populism, transnational and cosmopolitan democracy, and comparative democratic theory.
02
The particulars
Texts
TBA
Format & requirements
This seminar will meet for two hours weekly. Students will prepare a major research paper. Other requirements include weekly participation and short response essays.
Prerequisites
POL200Y1/ POL200Y5/( POLC70H3, POLC71H3)
03
Pathways
Comes after
Courses on this list named in the prerequisite or preparation line.
Opens onto
Courses on this list that name this one as a prerequisite.
No course on this list names this one as a prerequisite.
04
Reading the code
POLPolitical ScienceDepartment of Political Science
484400-levelYear of study this course sits in
HHalf course0.5 credit (FCE)
1St. GeorgeDowntown Toronto campus
FFall sessionFirst term, Sept–Dec 2026