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Course Description

How does democracy function in our everyday social spaces, beyond formal government institutions? This course examines democratic practices in communities, exploring how groups make decisions through trust, deliberation, and effective leadership. By studying civil society organizations and community dynamics, you'll discover what makes some communities more democratic than others.

In this course, you will investigate the essential practices of democratic leadership, moving beyond traditional notions of charisma and management skills to explore how leaders build trust, maintain accountability, and make decisions through consultation. This course emphasizes how deliberation and consensus-building, though more time-consuming than voting, help maintain community harmony through shared values and meaningful discussion.

Through reflective activities and discussions, you'll analyze your own community involvement, examine specific instances of leadership, and evaluate different approaches to group decision-making. By the end of this course you will learn how free expression and inclusion contribute to effective deliberation, while exploring how different decision-making methods affect community strength.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course: 

  • Defining Democracy
  • Responsible Citizenship in Modern Democracies 

Faculty Author

Paul Friesen

Benefits to the Learner

  • Assess how democratic practices exist in everyday social spaces
  • Explore what makes leadership democratic in community settings
  • Identify key practices that distinguish effective community leaders
  • Examine how communities build consensus through discussion
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Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy
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