POL10160 Foundations of Contemporary Politics

Academic Year 2021/2022

This course is an introduction to the field of Political Science through a survey of the major issues, questions, and ideas around which politics revolves from a comparative (and international) perspective. The module equips students with fundamental theoretical, conceptual and analytical skills to critically evaluate domestic and international society and interpret current events. We will explore key concepts and topics of contemporary politics, including: power, the state, and the nation; political change - briefly introducing resistance, violence (including terrorism), and human rights; ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, feminism, and environmentalism); the organization of major political systems; institutions of governance; and the international dimensions of politics and economics.

During the course, attention will be also given to effective critical, analytical, and writing skills. Students are expected to acquire a theoretical framework enabling them to analyze any political systems in the global village and apply their knowledge to reality. The course also aims to both foster students' understanding (and appreciation) of cultural diversity and help students make informed judgements about the political world around them.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
• understand what politics is and the main concepts involved in studying politics;
• apply your (theoretical) knowledge to analyze politics and apply political science to reality;
• analyse the way ideas influence political life;
• distinguish between different political institutions, and identify the role they play.


Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

10
Autonomous Student Learning

66
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; critical writing; active/task based learning. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Attendance: Tutorial attendance, preparation, and participation. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

25
Assignment: Assignment Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

25
Examination: End of semester examination covering major themes of the module 1 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

50

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided within 20 working days of the deadline for the assignment in according with university policy.

Robert Garner, Peter Ferdinand and Stephanie Larson. 2020. Introduction to Politics. 4th edition, ed. Oxford University Press.