This course is designed to introduce students to the theory and practice of democracy and citizenship in Europe. Its aim is to offer students a distinctive perspective on the nature of democracy and citizenship in Western Europe today (with a particular focus on the UK, Germany and France, and using the United States as a comparator). It explores the roots of democracy and citizenship and asks to what extent those basic principles are still valid today. It does so by first looking at the role of political actors and institutions (the supply side) and how recent developments have affected the nature of citizenship and the relationship between individuals and the state: the impact of Europeanisation on national and European politics and the decline in participation in electoral politics (e.g. voting). Weeks 4, 5 and 6 look in more detail at the reasons why the changes in this relationship have taken place: the individualisation of citizens in modern society in terms of their values and life-styles; the withdrawal of the state and the new classification of citizens as consumers; and, the decline in the role of political parties (traditionally the glue that bound citizens to the democratic process). The course then moves on to discuss political participation. Is political participation declining or just evolving? Whilst involvement in electoral politics has certainly declined over recent decades, involvement in non-electoral politics, e.g. new social movements, has increased. The next two sessions look at how the situation might be reformed in the future: how political institutions can be reformed to encourage better connections between politicians and the state, and citizens; and, to help in the formation of ‘good and active citizens’ through, in particular, civic education.