Although different in many important ways, the UK and USA both rely on consolidated democratic systems that have evolved over hundreds of years. They also share many contemporary pressures on their political systems, such as populism, anti-immigrant backlash, demands for gender and racial equity, and debates about voting rights. 

Bath and the UK provide an ideal base from which to learn about the evolution of democracy, as well as to study contemporary political debates. Bath served as an important location during the English Civil Wars, and experienced industrialization and commercialization as part of the Industrial Revolution, both periods that crucially affected the progress of democracy in the UK.

This course explores the life cycle of democratic systems through case studies of the two countries, examining in depth the birth and growth of democracy in each in order to understand contemporary political trends. From this foundation, we will look closely at debates about the state of democracy around the world, and consider current arguments about global democratic resilience and decline. Our aim will be to reach a better understanding of the term ‘democracy’, of democratic systems and the institutions - legislative, judicial, executive, and electoral - that make them up. Throughout, students will hone their analytical and communication skills through a mix of classroom discussion, varied reading tasks, experiential learning and written assignments.

An overnight study trip takes us to London, home of ‘The Mother of All Parliaments’ (the Palace of Westminster), 10 Downing Street (the Prime Minister’s residence) and the UK’s Supreme Court. 

Professor: Stephanie McNulty, Professor of Government, Franklin & Marshall College, stephanie.mcnulty@fandm.edu