Module: POL4004-20 Introduction to the Study of Politics
Level: 4
Credit Value: 20
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1. Brief description and aims of module:
The module provides a broad introduction to the study of politics as an academic discipline. It is designed to equip first year students with the conceptual tools and analytical skills required for more advanced study of politics and its sub-fields during subsequent programmes. Students engage with the core concepts, debates and methodological approaches of political science, while drawing on perspectives from overlapping disciplines such as history, economics, sociology and geography.
The module begins by exploring foundational debates concerning the nature of power and authority, the interplays of agency and structure, and different levels of analysis of political processes and practices. Next, the module introduces some core methodological approaches that underpin political research and analysis. By exploring the tensions and debates that characterise research methodologies, students will establish their own analytical skills and preferences that they will develop throughout their degrees and subsequent careers. Finally, the module introduces the core canon of Western political thought, juxtaposing this tradition with marginalised and non-Western understandings of key political concepts, like freedom, justice and equality.
The module sets the foundations for developing the transferable skills and attributes essential for both the study of politics at university, as well as working with external partners and employers during and following the degree programme. There is an emphasis on applying the skills being developed to real-world contemporary issues, which forms the basis of the module’s assessment design.
2.Outline syllabus
What is politics? Why study it?
The nature of power, authority and dissensus
Actors, institutions and levels of analysis
Structures: centres and peripheries
3.Teaching and learning activities
What is political research for?
Explanatory vs. interpretive approaches
Is politics a science?
Positivist vs. post-positivist approaches
Comparative and experimental methods
What is theory? Why use it?
Assessment Type: Coursework
Description: Analysis of existing research (equiv. 2000 words)
% Weighting: 50%
Assessment Type: Coursework
Description: Applied research report (equiv. 2000 words)
% Weighting: 50%