Studying at York
Theories of Justice - POL00005M
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching cycle |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2019-20 |
Module aims
This module provides an advanced introduction to some of the most significant problems and approaches in contemporary political theory. We will focus in particular on conceptual challenges to and justifications of democracy. What is the relation between liberalism and democracy? Why should we prefer majority rule to alternative decision procedures? Who should be included within democratic decisions, and who should be excluded? What — if any — are the limits on democratic decisions? And where might those limits come from? We will approach these questions — and more — through the work of key contemporary thinkers, including John Rawls, Jürgen Habermas, Elizabeth Anderson, Philip Pettit, and Josiah Ober, among others.
Module learning outcomes
To acquire a thorough grounding in recent contemporary democratic theory. To develop critical and argumentative skills through seminar discussion and analysis of philosophical texts.
Assessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework 4000 word essay |
N/A | 100 |
Special assessment rules
Pass/fail
Reassessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework 4000 word essay |
N/A | 100 |
Module feedback
Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor's feedback and guidance hours.
Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than 20 days after submission; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor's regular feedback and guidance hours.
Indicative reading
There is no core text for this module, and readings will be provided for each week, but a few useful books are:
Thomas Christiano (ed.), 2003, Democracy and Philosophy: An Anthology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Jon Elster (ed.), 1998, Deliberative Democracy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
David Estlund (ed.), 2002, Democracy. Oxford: Blackwell.
