This course is designed to introduce undergraduate students to conceptual, theoretical and practical discussions on the relationship between democracy, civil society and social capital. A range of global dynamics, such as authoritarianism and a global populist surge threaten the strength of democratic governance across the globe. Given the role and relevance of civic participation and civic associationalism to democracy, understanding and enhancing opportunities for positive civic engagement has become ever more relevant. The first part of the course focuses on the current state of democracy, understanding the ideal of civil society, and the different facets of social capital. In the second half of the course, theoretical and conceptual discussions are complemented by empirical studies that examine different country cases as well as civil society at different levels, including individual level affects. Further, current challenges, weaknesses and critiques to the role attributed to civil society in liberal democracies are explored.
- Öğretmen: Didem Çakmaklı