Introductory Online Course Democracy in Theory and Practice

The purpose of this course is to provide students with knowledge of and insights into the development of democracies. The course is web-based with complementary face-to-face sessions and consists of on-line discussions of literature and student essays as well as on-line seminars discussing research proposals. Examination includes active participation in on-line discussion, forums and seminars, writing and defending papers. The student will: - acquire an understanding of the relationship between democracy and general theories of government. - acquire an understanding of the different definitions of democracy. - obtain a broad knowledge of the historical development of democratic institutions. - acquire an understanding of democracy today as well as the ability to critically discuss current issues related to democracy in the contemporary world. - obtain the capability to comprehend and share specific points of view regarding democratic ideas, institutions and structures and to master the communication and knowledge sharing skills that support it. - obtain insights into the use of comparative methods in historical research. The student will - obtain a critical awareness of the relationship between current events and the processes of the past - obtain extensive skills in problem identification and solving, communication, and knowledge sharing. - develop creative skills. - acquire a concern for quality. - become acquainted with the pedagogical tools of E-learning. - acquire an ability to use computer and internet resources and techniques. FB 1 - Sozialwissenschaften - Philosophie - Theologie - Geschichte - Geographie The course language is English. Universität Siegen WiSe 2010/11 Univ.-Prof. Dr. Kaiser Robert