Community Power: Direct Democracy and Civil Society

Catalog description

Introduction to theories of democracy and policy-making. Investigations of the connections among debates regarding the roles of everyday citizens in governance and policy-making. Analysis of who participates in different aspects of political participation, what alternative forms of participation might look like, and whether reforms or policy changes occur in response. Examination of case studies in governmental institutions aimed to increase civic engagement and political participation in city government, education and health governance, and other policy fields. Examination of other forms of resistance and political participation when institutional forms of political participation are scarce.