Democratic Development by Larry Diamond

About the Course Democratic Development is intended as a broad, introductory survey of the political, social, cultural, economic, institutional, and international factors that foster or obstruct the development, and consolidation, of democracy. Topics will be examined in historical and comparative perspective, and reference a variety of different national experiences. It is hoped that students in developing or prospective democracies will use the theories, ideas, and lessons in the class to help build or improve democracy in their own countries. This course is primarily intended for individuals in college or beyond, with some academic background or preparation in political science or the social sciences. However, it seeks to be accessible and useful to a diverse international audience, including educators at the secondary and college levels, government officials, development professionals, civil society leaders, journalists, bloggers, activists, and individuals involved in a wide range

本课程旨在对民主发展的政治、社会、文化、经济、制度及国际等因素进行广泛而入门性的调查，探讨其如何促进或阻碍民主的发展与巩固。课程内容将从历史与比较的角度进行审视，并参考不同国家的多样经验。期望发展中国家的学生能够利用课程中的理论、观点和经验，以助力其本国民主的建设与完善。本课程主要面向拥有政治学或社会科学背景或准备的大专院校及以上学习者，但同时也力求对包括中学及大学教育工作者、政府官员、发展专业人士、民间社会领袖、记者、博主、活动家和广泛参与的各界人士在内的多元国际受众具有可接近性和实用性。