We will start out by reading and discussing early theories of democracy from the history of political ideas and then turn towards contemporary conceptions of democracy. We will get to know, compare and reflect on the different strands of contemporary democratic theory - liberal, deliberative, republican and radical. We will discuss forms of representative and participatory democracy as well as questions of inclusion and exclusion and the boundaries of democracy and democratic theory. Thus, after getting to know basic conceptions of democracy, we will discuss current theoretical and political challenges to democracy in and beyond the state, in Europe and beyond.