States, Nations and Democracy

States, Nations and Democracy focuses on the study of those conditions that made democracy possible and currently underpin its functioning. Three specific aspects of the topic are analyzed. First, the course investigates the nature and fundamental characteristics of liberal-democratic political regimes. Second, the relationships between the concepts of democracy, state and nation are explored. In particular, we examine the connections between democracy and the market and analyze the challenges that democracy faces due to technocracy and populism. Third, the course offers a study of key political attitudes and behaviors, focusing in particular on the voting behavior.
The exam for attending students has two parts: a mid-term test and a final test (both tests are written). The tests aim to assess not only students' knowledge of the course contents, but also students' ability to use proper language and build arguments to discuss the course contents

Knowledge and understanding: The course aims at enhancing students' knowledge and understanding of the main theories about the following topics: democracy, relationships between democracy and the processes of state-building and nation-building, conditions underpinning the functioning of democracy.
Applying knowledge and understanding: The course aims at improving students' awareness of the main challenges that democracy currently faces.
Making judgements: The course aims at improving students' ability to analyze political phenomena. To this purpose, during the course students are made aware of major theories and relevant empirical data regarding states and their institutional characteristics, nationalism, political cultures and voting behavior. Communication skills: Students may be actively involved during the course. For instance, as an alternative to the written exam, students may be asked to prepare papers where they can enhance their own communication skills. These types of activities will be outlined at the beginning of the course.
Learning skills: To the purpose of improving students' autonomous learning skills, during the course the teacher can invite students to actively participate to the discussion in class.