HUAS97303 - Teaching Tocqueville: Lessons on Democracy in America

Course Description

One of the most important observers of the American character was Alexis de Tocqueville, but can the reflections of a French aristocrat from the 1830s tell us about the state of American Democracy in 2021? Most have heard of his great work, Democracy in America, but few teach the text, mainly because, at around 700 pages in two volumes, its length makes it difficult. This four-session course will focus on usable excerpts that speak to our contemporary condition, seeking to find ways to make the work meaningful for students. In addition to reading around half of the text, we will also workshop shorter passages, on specific topics that can be used in the classroom. There are no prerequisites for this course.