See module specification for other years:
2018-192019-20
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching cycle
A
Autumn Term 2017-18 to Summer Term 2017-18
Module aims
To introduce students to the key theories, concepts and methods used in Political Science and International Relations
To develop students’ understanding of the concept of political power and the different ways in which it is conceptualised and measured in institutional, organisation and social contexts
To develop students’ generic research and communication skills, including gathering and interpreting data, arriving at appropriate and justified conclusions, leading and collaborating with others, and communicating in ways accessible to academic and lay audiences
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the main assumptions and strengths and weaknesses of key theories, concepts and methods used in Political Science and International Relations
Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of political power and the different ways in which it is conceptualised and measured in institutional, organisation and social contexts
Demonstrate the acquisition of basic research and communication skills, including selecting and justifying the use of appropriate theories and concepts, gathering and interpreting data, arriving at appropriate and justified conclusions, leading and collaborating with others, and communicating in ways accessible to academic and lay audiences
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Group
Essay/coursework Essay - 1500 words
N/A
50
Default
Essay/coursework Individual reflective blog
N/A
12.5
Default
Essay/coursework Peer review
N/A
12.5
Default
Oral presentation/seminar/exam Presentation
N/A
25
Default
Essay/coursework Essay - 1500 words
N/A
50
A
Essay/coursework Essay - 1500 words
N/A
50
A
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay - 1500 words
N/A
50
University - closed examination What is Politics?
2 hours
50
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 six weeks 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
Martin J. Smith (2009) Power and the state (Basingstoke: Palgrave).
Andrew Heywood (2013) Politics (Basingstoke: Palgrave).
Adrian Leftwich (2004) What is Politics? (Cambridge: Polity)
Katherine Smits (2016) Applying Political Theory: Issues and Debates (2nd ed, Basingstoke: Palgrave).