CDSn4006 Pluralism and Disagreement: Issues in Contemporary Democratic Theory

Fakulta sociálních studií
jaro 2020
Rozsah
1/1/0. 8 kr. Ukončení: zk.
Vyučující
Mgr. et Mgr. Jiří Baroš, Ph.D. (přednášející)
doc. Mgr. Pavel Dufek, Ph.D. (přednášející)
Mgr. Otto Eibl, Ph.D. (cvičící)
Garance
Mgr. et Mgr. Jiří Baroš, Ph.D.
Katedra politologie – Fakulta sociálních studií
Dodavatelské pracoviště: Katedra politologie – Fakulta sociálních studií
Rozvrh
Po 10:00–11:40 U34
Předpoklady
Ability to read and understand academic literature, willingness to participate in in-class seminar debates. Familiarity with basic notions and debates in political philosophy and theory of democracy will definitely help.
Omezení zápisu do předmětu
Předmět je určen pouze studentům mateřských oborů.
Mateřské obory/plány
Cíle předmětu
The course provides an advanced introduction to some major issues in contemporary democratic theory (normative theory of democracy), with a special focus on the fact of moral, ethical, and political disagreement in liberal constitutional democracies. We will discuss hotly contested issues which appear both in public discourse and scholarly production, such as the (alleged) crisis of liberal democracy, nationalism and multiculturalism, secularism and political Islam, constitutionalism and democracy, constitutional patriotism, migration, political representation, or status of the majority principle. By engaging recent theoretical literature dealing with these crucial issues, students are invited to critically assess competing visions of democracy, as well as different beliefs about particular problems that arise in a democratic polity. Critical diagnosis of the theoretical, conceptual and normative pillars of liberal democracy enables a more robust rethinking and justification of liberal democratic rule, and allows students to reflectively build up their own position vis-à-vis the respective topics.
Výstupy z učení
Upon completing the course, students will thus have a good grasp of some advanced debates in contemporary democratic theory about the status of liberal democracy and/or its fundamental elements. They will be able to analyse main theoretical concepts and positions which appear at the heart of contemporary debates. Also, students will be able to critically evaluate the corresponding disagreements both in political and constitutional theory and within the wider public sphere. Students thus sharpen their ability to orientate themselves in the current intellectual milieu, without succumbing to simplifications, strawman-like arguments, or general ignorance.
Osnova
  • Week 1. Moral Pluralism and Deep Disagreement in Constitutional Democracy (Dufek)
  • Week 2. Liberal Democracy in Crisis? (Dufek)
  • Week 3. Liberty, Liberalism and Perfectionism (Baroš)
  • Week 4. Power, Authority, and Legitimacy (Baroš)
  • Week 5. Constitutionalism and Democracy: Current Developments
  • Week 6. Discussion Session I.
  • Week 7. Political Representation and the Quest for Democratic Innovations (Dufek)
  • Week 8. The Majority Principle in Democracy: Essential or Oppressive? (Dufek)
  • Week 9. Self-Study Week (Easter Holiday)
  • Week 10. Contemporary Illiberalism and Populism (Baroš)
  • Week 11. Public Reason and Public Justification: On Democratic Exclusion and Inclusion (Dufek)
  • Week 12. Secularism and Religious Liberty (Baroš)
  • Week 13. Discussion Session II.
Výukové metody
The teaching method will be short lectures followed by seminar discussions (the two parts will not be always strictly separated). Students are encouraged to actively participate by posing questions of clarification and bringing up topics for discussion. They are expected to read the assigned reading(s) for each seminar carefully and prepare their own comments and questions, even if they do not submit a position paper for a given topic. The point of the two Discussion sessions is to improve the ability of students to summarize an issue, defend a particular interpretation, and evaluate critically arguments of their counterparts in the course of an open in-class exchange. Final papers are meant to improve the ability of students to analyse a given topic in more depth, making use of relevant knowledge and skills acquired during the course.
Metody hodnocení
The final grade will be calculated as a composite of the following criteria:

(1) Position papers
Students are expected to read the assigned reading(s) for each seminar (“core readings”). The optional texts are provided for those who have a special interest in the given topic.
Based on the readings, students are required to write at least two short position papers (250–500 words each) on two different seminar topics. If there are two or more required readings, students should briefly summarise all of them and then proceed to discuss, criticize etc. only selected issues (depending on one’s preferences). Students are thus encouraged to actively participate in the seminars, based on their preparation for the class.
To enable the flow of the discussion, papers thus should have three clearly identified sections (this is a strict requirement):
1) Summary of the main points of the assigned reading(s), entitled “Summary”;
2) Critical discussion of the most interesting or most questionable parts of the readings, entitled “Discussion/Critique”;
3) Questions of clarification and/or questions for in-class discussion entitled “Questions”.
We emphasise that the discussion section, linked, ideally, to the subsequent questions, should represent the most substantial part of the position paper – i.e. PPs that are merely summaries of core readings, or do not follow this structure, or contain different points scattered throughout the text, will be assessed accordingly or even rejected (in such a case they will not count towards the student’s overall grade). The questions asked shall relate to the readings or the topic as such; also, it makes little sense to inquire about things no one can really know at this time (such as what is the future of democracy). Also, please avoid asking questions which have been clearly answered by the authors of the assigned readings, or the answers to which are two Google clicks removed from you.
Each position paper will receive 0–2 points. Late submissions and submissions that do not meet the minimal requirements of quality and structure will not be accepted for assessment. Students are free to submit more than two position papers during the term; however, the maximum points achievable for PPs is 6, and above that any extra position papers will NOT count towards the final grade.
Position papers have to be uploaded to the course’s Study Materials -> Position papers section in the Information System no later than Sunday, 5 pm. However we advise students to submit their PPs earlier if possible.

(2) Final Paper
At the end of the semester students should submit a final paper addressing a topic relevant to the course (circa 4000 words). The topic needs to be consulted beforehand with the lecturers during their office hours. Components of evaluation of the essay include: originality of the authors’ approach, relevance of goals and methods, conceptualisation of the topic, logical structure, robust theoretical background, sufficient sources and literature. There is no possibility of re-submission once the paper is assessed, so students are strongly advised not to underestimate this requirement. The final paper shall be uploaded to the course’s Study Materials –> Homework Vaults –> Final Essays section. The deadline is May 11 (Monday), 2020.
Final papers will be awarded 0–14 points, based on their meeting the criteria mentioned above.

(3) Final written exam
There will be a final written exam, consisting of four questions and based both on the required readings and the contents of the lectures and in-class discussions. Each answer will be awarded 0–4 points (i.e. max. 16 points overall). All exam slots will be organised during the exam period.

(4) Discussion sessions
There will be two debate sessions during the term; students are expected to take part in both. For each three groups will be created: the first one will answer the question affirmatively and defend the corresponding position, the second one will take an opposing stance. The third group will act as referees. Students will create groups during the third week of the term at the latest.

Grading scheme:
A (Excellent): 40–37 points B (Very Good): 36–33 points C (Good): 32–30 points D (Satisfactory): 29–27 points E (Sufficient): 26–24 points F (Failed): 23 points and less
Vyučovací jazyk
Angličtina
Informace učitele
Most up-to-date information is always to be found in the course syllabus in the Study materials. Preliminary syllabus will apear there during the Feb 10–16 week; the final version will be available on Monday, Feb 17 (first day of the spring term)
Další komentáře
Studijní materiály
Předmět je vyučován každoročně.
Předmět je zařazen také v obdobích jaro 2021, jaro 2022, jaro 2023, jaro 2024, jaro 2025.