We will explore the history and meaning of the idea of democracy. We will see how the idea of democracy has evolved in response to various historical situations, from its expression in the voice of a small self-governing ancient Greek city state, to the French and American revolutionary attempts to codify popular sovereignty, to becoming a universal aspiration expressed as a United Nations declared human right of the self-determination of peoples. Larry Berlin and John Rowntree will lead the discussions.
"Can Democracy Work" by James Miller (available at Literati Bookstore) will be the text and readings to be supplied. This Study Group is for those 50 and over and will meet Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., March 13 - April 24.