Is democracy dangerous?
Is democracy in crisis?
What even is democracy?

These are the central questions explored in RSO59030 Major Works in Social Theory, an engaging and intellectually challenging course designed for Master’s students who want to actively engage with social theory and critically examine contemporary political debates.

This course focuses on the work of Jacques Rancière, particularly his influential book Hatred of Democracy. Across six weekly evening sessions, students will collectively unpack and critically evaluate Rancière’s arguments and consider their relevance in contemporary society.

Course Format
> 6 weekly meetings (2 hours each)
> Thursdays, starting May 21
> 19:00–21:00
> Location: Clockhouse

The course is organized as a structured conversation around the book. This format requires careful preparation and active participation from all students. After an introductory session, the course proceeds through discussions of the book’s four chapters, encouraging close reading, debate, and theoretical reflection.

As part of the course, students will also participate in the recording of a podcast, translating theoretical insights into a public-facing format.

About the Book
In Hatred of Democracy, Rancière challenges the widespread claim that democracy is in crisis because of popular irresponsibility. Instead, he argues that political and intellectual elites often harbor a deep distrust of democracy itself — understood as the radical principle of equality and the rule of all. What is frequently presented today as “democracy,” he suggests, functions to limit popular power and legitimize governance by a select few.

The book invites readers to radically rethink democracy — not as a stable system, but as an ongoing political struggle over equality.

Course instructors: Jessica Duncan & Joost Jongerden

Registration deadline: April 15

For more information, please contact Jessica Duncan at Jessica.duncan@wur.nl