Democratic Theory, 7.5 credits

Validation

This course syllabus was validated by the Management Board of the School of Social Sciences at Södertörn University on 2026-01-22 .

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree including 90 credits in Social Sciences as the main field of study. You also need: English 6 or English level 2, or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

On completing the course, the student can:

• relate democratic theory to other key concepts and ideas in contemporary political theory, such as justice and political community, as well as to empirical research on the development and decline of democracy,
• analyse the value of democracy and political participation, and possible conflicts between democracy and other values,
• develop arguments in dialogue with research in democratic theory and use concepts of democratic theory and normative ideas to interpret current political issues and debates,
• discuss and critically assess normative and conceptual positions within democratic theory, and highlight the practical implications of competing democratic ideals.

Course content, modules and examinations

This course examines the conceptual and normative foundations of democracy, with a focus on its values and scope. The course addresses the meaning of a democratic model of governance and key criteria for a democratic order. It analyses the relationship between democratic ideals and related values ‑ such as justice, equality, participation, conflict resolution, and recognition of particular identities. The course also highlights how democracy can be understood both as a pursuit of consensus and the common good, and as an order in which conflict provides a driving force for political participation and societal vitality. The course also explores the connection between democracy, borders and political community, discussing both nationally based and cosmopolitan perspectives. Critical examinations of ideas about democracy as norm‑setting for society at large are supplemented by in‑depth studies of theories and practices related to economic democracy and democracy in the workplace.

Course design

The teaching consists of seminars.

Examination format

The course is assessed through active participation in seminars and written assignments.

Absence from a maximum of two seminars may be compensated for through additional assignments in accordance with the examiner’s instructions. The compensatory assignment should be of the equivalent scope and educational purpose to the task being compensated for.

The grading criteria are distributed prior to the start of a course or module.

If a student has a certificate from Södertörn University for compensatory support, the examiner has the right to decide on an adapted examination or alternative form of examination in accordance with Södertörn University's regulations.

Restrictions on accreditation

The course may not be accredited as part of a degree if the contents are partly or wholly the same as a course previously taken in Sweden or elsewhere.