Theories of the State - POL00083I
Module summary
Theories of the State is the core module for stage two students studying Politics; Politics & IR; and History and Politics degrees. Using the resources of political theory, it examines the idea of the state as the central organising institution of modern politics. The module’s aim is threefold: 1. For students to acquire core knowledge of debates in political theory and related disciplines about the state as a political idea and practice; 2. For students to understand and critically reflect upon the normative, ideological and epistemological dimensions of political concepts, using the debates about the state as illustrative of this; and 3. To provide students with understanding of and exposure to approaches to political research in the discipline of political theory and related humanities focused projects.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2026-27 |
Module aims
This module examines the state from a theoretical and historical perspective. The first segment of the module introduces students to theoretical and historical scholarship on the state. The subsequent two segments will explore domestic and global problems( and dilemmas) concerning the state. The final part of the module will introduce students to perspectives on governance and political imaginaries beyond the state. Students will learn how to integrate theoretical, historical, and empirical work in making arguments about concrete issues around the state and its authority.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate detailed knowledge of key debates and concepts around theories of the state (PLO1)
Learn to identify with minimal guidance identify the normative, ideological and epistemological implications of diverse theoretical perspectives in application to questions around statehood, such as the justification of state power or the limits of state authority. (PLO2)
Learn how to frame questions in political theory drawing on normative, critical, historical or contextual approaches (PLO3)
Construct and present clear and coherent arguments that engage with theoretical debates (PLO5)
Demonstrate awareness of different global and cultural contexts in relation to theories of the state (PLO6)
Module content
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Introduction: What is the State?
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The Nation-State
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The State and Citizenship
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Taming the State i: Elections
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Taming the State ii: The Rule of Law
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Can the State be Tamed? Race and the State
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Interlude: Reflection on Approaches
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The Bureaucratic State
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The State and the Market
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The Future of the State
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
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 25 working days; 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
Stråth, B. & Skinner, Q. (Ed) (2003) States and Citizens: History, Theory, Prospects. CUP.
Arendt, H. (2017) [1951] The Origins of Totalitarianism. Penguin.
Mills, C. (1997) The Racial Contract. Cornell UP.
Hayek, F. (2001) [1944] The Road to Serfdom. Routledge.