• Hänggli Fricker Regula

In this course, we look at established democracies. In the first couple of meetings, we establish basic knowledge and look at greek origin of democracy, at characteristics of Western democracy, at democratic theory, measures for democracy, at democratic innovations, and ask whether established democracies have become under pressure (right wing populism, authoritarian presidents, search for identity and recognition). In the second couple of meetings, we focus on the role of media to democracy and society, and challenges of democracy by new communication and information providers. In the third part, we leave the macro perspective and continue with the micro perspective. How does the information flow work? We identify key actors and its contributions to democracy. What choices do political and journalist actors face? How do people form opinions?

- You know key concepts of democratic theory in general, and can apply them to the real world.

- You can describe the role of the media in a society and its key functions and contribution to democracy.

- You can identify, analyze and evaluate key challenge(s) of todays’ Western democracies.

- You become able to analyze and interpret the interplay between politics and the media or communication.

- You become able to explain how and why systemic variables affect actors and content of political communication.

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Keine Wiederholungsprüfung