The premise of this course is that Alexis de Tocqueville's nineteenth-century masterpiece, Democracy in America, remains a useful starting point for understanding democracy, America, and politics across nations in the twenty-first century. Students in the course will read excerpts from Democracy in America alongside contemporary works in social science that take up some of the themes and concepts Tocqueville developed in his book. These themes and concepts will provide the fuel for class discussions and debates, and for student research that probes the contemporary relevance of the questions about democracy and America that Tocqueville raised so provocatively two centuries ago.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: None. Open to First-Years only.

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Other Categories: FYS - First Year Seminar

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Not Offered

Notes: Mandatory Credit/Non Credit.