Threatened democracy

Democratic institutions are characterised by respect for the fundamental principles of democracy, that is, individual freedoms and rights as well as the equal value of all people. The dissemination of disinformation and misinformation risks threatening public discourse and by extension interpersonal trust and trust in democratic institutions. The course introduces and discusses democracy critically with a particular focus on its proponents and critics. It is based on the classic by Robert Dahl, Democracy and Its Critics. Key dilemmas of democratic governance in terms of content, procedures, and practical implementation are discussed. The threats posed by disinformation and misinformation, as well as the underlying causes of their dissemination, constitute a recurring theme throughout the course.

Progressive specialisation: A1N (has only first‐cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Education level: Master's level

Admission requirements: At least 90 ECTS credits, with at least 30 ECTS credits at the G2F level or higher, in Political Science or related main fields of study like Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Media and Communication Studies, History, Social Science, and Human Geography, including a degree project of at least 15 ECTS credits at the G2E level, and upper secondary level Swedish 3 and English 6/A, or equivalent

Selection: Selection is usually based on your grade point average from upper secondary school or the number of credit points from previous university studies, or both.

This course is included in the following programme

• Master programme in political science - psychological defense and disinformation (studied during year 1)