In response to a discussion about (social) media, fake news and alternative truths, the importance of the written word is greater than ever. There is a growing need for citizens to be critical and able to respond in speech, as well as in writing, to claims that are posted in various contexts. In this course you will get an insight into how language and writing are connected with active citizenship and democracy. During the course we will zoom in on democracy as a concept and discuss how democracy can be enacted. We also go into depth with language and writing, what they are, and how they are vital for functioning and sustainable democracies in different contexts. During the course you will individually and collaboratively practise, analyse, and theorise language and writing in light of active citizenship.