Political Theory Workshop - POL00114M

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Module summary

This module offers MA students a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary research in political theory through a series of work-in-progress workshops featuring guest
speakers from leading institutions. Each session will focus on a scholars ongoing research, providing students with the chance to participate in real-time academic discussions, critique evolving arguments, and explore cutting-edge debates in the field of political theory. Students will meet with the module convenor immediately before each workshop to discuss the paper and formulate questions that will be posed during the guest speaker workshop.

The workshops will cover a range of topics, allowing students to encounter diverse perspectives, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks. Students will develop critical thinking, analytical, and academic presentation skills as they learn how political theorists approach complex issues, refine their arguments, and respond to constructive feedback.

By the end of the module, students will have enhanced their ability to critically engage with advanced political theory, participate in scholarly dialogue, and apply insights gained from guest speakers to their own academic writing.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 2 2026-27

Module aims

The primary purpose of the module is to provide students with access to the forefront of academic research in political theory. By attending these work-in-progress sessions,
students are introduced to a wide range of emerging ideas, arguments, and theoretical approaches that are shaping the future of the discipline.

Module learning outcomes

1. Acquire understanding of the state of ongoing debates in political theory
2. Develop the ability to critically evaluate theoretical arguments
3. Develop the ability to pose thoughtful, relevant questions, fostering deeper engagement with academic material.
4. Enhance communication skills by observing experienced academics present their work and defend their arguments

Module content

Week 1: Introductory meeting on the MA Module; essay-writing in political theory and expectations from the assessed essays.
Weeks 2-8: Pre-workshop session (1 hour) followed by Political Theory Workshop (2 hours).
Weeks 9-10: Walk-in clinics for essay-writing.

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 20 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

Indicative: Works-in-progress submitted by guest speakers. For methods, see Political Theory: Methods and Approaches, eds. Marc Stears & David Leopold (Oxford
University Press, 2008).