Time Schedule:
John W. Gastil
POL S 558
Seattle Campus
Exploration of deliberative theories of democracy and research on political discussion in campaigns, face-to-face meetings, on-line forums, and informal conversations. Presents different uses and understandings of deliberation and its role in democratic governance. Recommended: COM 577; POL S 551/COM 551. Offered: jointly with COM 555.
Class description
Description: A new wave of scholarship in communication, political science, public affairs, sociology, and related fields examines on the role of public deliberation in civil society and democratic governance. This seminar will give you the chance to not only learn about the deliberation literature but also contribute as authors to the Public Deliberation Compendium, an edited book that will review the state-of-the-art research on deliberation.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
This course will review theory and research on citizen deliberation in settings ranging from small online discussions to large-scale public forums. After completing the course, you will be familiar with current perspectives and research on deliberation, and you will better understand the connections among political philosophy, empirical theory, and research conducted by case studies, surveys, and experiments.
Recommended preparation
Text: Deliberative Democracy hbk, John Gastil; Political Communication & Deliberation, John Gastil,
Class assignments and grading
