230647 Democracy, Civil Society and Human Rights (S) (WiSe 2016/2017)

The course is intended to familiarize the students with theories and contemporary approaches to the study of democracy, civil society and human rights.The seminar is divided into three parts.
Part I explores various theories that seek to explain democracy and democratic governance. In addition, it investigates the nature of democracy in contrast to other non-democratic forms of government and the challenges to democracy and democratic theories. Finally, the theoretical models policy makers and donors employ in fostering democratization across the globe are also examined.
Part II introduces different definitions of civil society and a methodological tool for assessing and comparing civil society developments. The course analyzes how civil society relates to social movements and how it might contribute to democratization by using case-study evidence from the post-Soviet space.
Part III provides a historical and theoretical background of the idea of human rights and their internationalization. The students familiarize with contemporary justifications and critiques of human rights as well as with the distinction between civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights.