DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM (HIST3072)

In this course, we will focus on the emergence of Democratic Socialism as a political philosophy that favors a convergence of socially progressive policies with electoral democracy and capitalism. Different political theorists – in France, England, Germany, the U.S. – devised variations on this theme throughout the mid to late 19th century and into the early 20th centuries, and these variations and differing approaches will be analyzed. In addition, the course provides attention to the development of the Democratic Socialist movement in many parts of the world as the 20th century progressed. We will explore the history of this movement as well as suggesting how the political philosophy of Democratic Socialism became modified and contextualized as the movement evolved in practice. And finally, the relatively rapid expansion of the ‘Bernista’ movement in the U.S. in the 2010s will be analyzed. Student requirements include in-class discussion; tests, exams; essays; research papers; discussion board participation. Cross-listed with HIST3072