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Aspects of Democratic Politics - POL00006C

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  • Department: Politics
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Pavlos Vasilopoulos
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
    • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22

Module aims

  • To develop in students an understanding of key concepts in politics, especially democracy, power and the state
  • To develop in students an understanding of the basic features and operations of different democratic political systems (e.g. the UK, the EU, Germany and the USA).
  • To develop in students an ability to relate the concepts above to the democratic systems in a way that illuminates the meaning of statehood in different institutional contexts.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module students will be able to:

  • Understand key concepts in the study of democratic political systems;
  • Demonstrate comparative knowledge of different political systems and institutions;
  • Evaluate alternative explanations of particular developments and events in the countries studies in the module.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
1500 word essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
1500 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 working 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

On the general issues concerning democracy: D. Held (2006) Models of Democracy (3rd ed.) (Stanford University Press)

On Britain: M. Garnett & P. Lynch (2009) Exploring British Politics (2nd ed.) (Pearson)

On the US: James Q. Wilson, John J. Diluilo Jr and Meena Bose (2011) American Government: The Essentials: Institutions and Policies (12th ed.) (Cengage Learning)

On India: S. Khilnani (2003) The Idea of India (Penguin)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.