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What is Politics? - POL00008C

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  • Department: Politics
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Jeremy Moulton
  • Credit value: 30 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

  • To introduce the key theories, concepts and methods used in Political Science and International Relations;
  • To develop 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 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, strengths, and weaknesses of key theories. Alongside a critical awareness of the concepts and methods used within 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
Essay/coursework
Essay 1500 words		 N/A 40
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
4-hr Open Exam		 4 hours 60

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay 1500 words		 N/A 40
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
4-hr Open Exam		 4 hours 60

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

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).


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.