This course asks students to think critically about the concept of democracy by close examination of the first flowering democracy in ancient Athens, its ancient critics, and comparison to their own experience of contemporary American democracy. Fundamental issues that will engage the students' discussion and writing include: socioeconomic class, individual rights, the scope of government, justice, and democracy and imperialism. Students will develop and articulate their own evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of democratic government.

This course asks students to think critically about the concept of democracy by close examination of the first flowering democracy in ancient Athens, its ancient critics, and comparison to their own experience of contemporary American democracy. Fundamental issues that will engage the students' discussion and writing include: socioeconomic class, individual rights, the scope of government, justice, and democracy and imperialism. Students will develop and articulate their own evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of democratic government.