What is the Democracy Project?
The Democracy Project (DP) is a comprehensive examination of democracy in the US and around the world in the twenty-first century. This project involves Southern Oregon University Honors College Scholars, other interested students, faculty, staff, and community members. Some of the issues to be studied include the history and evolution of democracy, sovereignty, nationalism, citizenship, patriotism, imperialism, freedom, security, environment and sustainability, and equity and justice.
Questions that Guide the Democracy Project:
- What are some key underlying principles of democracy?
- What is the proper role of government in a democracy?
- What is the appropriate balance between individual liberties and collective human rights?
- What are some of the responsibilities and duties of citizens in a democracy?
- What are some weaknesses of democracy?
How Does the Democracy Project Work?
Planning for each iteration of the Democracy Project begins at least a year in advance of any actual trip to visit a democracy at home or around the world. When a specific location is selected, prospective participants are invited to participate in monthly colloquia on the history of democracies, foundational documents in a global history of democracies, examples of different types of democracies from around the world, and reports of lessons learned from previous Democracy Project trips. These meetings are open to anyone interested in the Democracy Project. Those who elect to travel on the Democracy Project trip will be expected to commit to a set of formal preparatory meetings, and will be responsible for costs associated with travel, lodging, etc.
Participants in the project write “Dispatches” from their experiences and observations to share with our larger community. All trips include visits with seats of government—representatives of various levels of local, regional, national, and international government as well as visits with community groups. When possible, we look for opportunities for service learning.
A goal of the Democracy Project is to organize annual workshops or symposiums (or symposia) at SOU and other venues, moderated by Honors College Scholars and other interested participants, to share what they learned about democracy with high school students and our larger community in the Rogue Valley in an experiential lesson in participatory democracy in action.
Upcoming Democracy Project
India: 2024
Join us on an exciting and transformative adventure to India, tentatively scheduled for approximately June 21 – July 3, 2024 (dates subject to change).
Hosted by the Honors College and the Philosophy Program, the Democracy Project is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members. Formal affiliation with Southern Oregon University is not required. While we’re finalizing the itinerary, one thing is certain: our immersive experience promises to reveal the intricate mechanisms of governance, media, and grassroots democracy. Anticipate the possibility of engaging with high-ranking government officials, soaking up the rich culture, and visiting iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal. This journey offers a distinctive lens through which to explore the multifaceted nature of the world’s largest democracy with the promise of enriching your comprehension of this crucial and timely subject.
For information about the Democracy Project trip to India, please visit the Information Website for World Strides – SOU Democracy Project.
If you are interested in going to India, please fill out this form.
For more information, please contact Dr. Prakash Chenjeri, chenjeri@sou.edu.
See Past Democracy Project Flyers
Contact The Honors College
SOU Honors College
Susanne Homes Hall, Room 107
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
Phone: 541.552.6400
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