Democracy Today: Crises and Prospects (974M9)
Democracy Today: Crises and Prospects
Module 974M9
Module details for 2026/27.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
In the 21st century, democratic politics faces a multiplicity of crises, from democratic backsliding to aging populations, rising inequality, corruption and misinformation. This module draws from the unique expertise in Politics research present at Sussex to help students analyse the actors, issues and dynamics which threaten democracy today. On the module, students will engage in-depth with different political challenges and independently analyse historical lineages, links and causalities. The module highlights the interaction of local, national, global and planetary scales in the functioning of contemporary democracy. Understanding these complexities will allow students to produce nuanced problem-diagnoses and bold sketches of action plans.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate substantive knowledge of the different challenges that threaten democracy in the 21st century
Demonstrate awareness of how economic, social, political, technological and environmental factors interact at different levels within contemporary democracy
Independently identify and utilise relevant academic literature and data to analyse a specific issue in contemporary democratic politics in-depth
Draw evidence-based, independent conclusions from academic sources
Communicate findings effectively in oral and written form
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Practical Assessment | T1 Week 7 (15 minutes) | 100.00% |
| Portfolio (5000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 70.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 3 hours | 11111011111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
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