POL10180 Foundations of Pol Theory

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module provides an introduction to political theory, focusing on changing conceptions and models of democracy, mainly through the thought of four challenging and influential political thinkers, Aristotle, Wollstonecraft, Mill and Marx. We focus in particular on four key themes: the meaning and relative importance of the political principles of liberty, equality and community; how much political participation there should be; the social pre-conditions for democracy; and to what extent the kind of democracy possible depends on how we think of human nature.

This module is required for any student wishing to take Politics as a major at Stage Two. In addition to the lectures, an essential part of this module are tutorials in which students learn through writing essays and exercises and through participating in discussions.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students will:
- have a clear grasp of what is at stake in some of the fundamental issues of political theory;
- be familiar with, and able to evaluate and apply, the normative arguments advanced by major political theorists;
- have developed skills in written and oral argument.

Indicative Module Content:

Political Theory: Human Nature and Democracy, Political Participation, Democratic Institutions, Rights, Understandings of Liberty, Equality and Community as seen through Aristotle, Wollstonecraft, Mill and Marx.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Tutorial

7
Autonomous Student Learning

91
Total

120
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will consist of lectures and small group teaching/tutorials. Students will be encouraged to participate in discussion in both lectures and tutorials. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
INRL10010 - Found of Pol Theory & IR


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Attendance, exercises and at least one essay. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

40
Examination: End of Trimester Final Exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

60

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Ludovica Castellana Tutor
Ms Grace Culhane Tutor
Thomas Gavois Tutor
Mateus Martins Bruno Tutor
Lucía Núñez Roncero Tutor
Ms Jennifer O Keeffe Tutor
Smrutimayee Sarangi Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33 Fri 11:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Fri 12:00 - 12:50
Tutorial Offering 5 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Tues 14:00 - 14:50
Tutorial Offering 6 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Tues 15:00 - 15:50
Tutorial Offering 7 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Tues 16:00 - 16:50
Tutorial Offering 8 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Tutorial Offering 9 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Wed 12:00 - 12:50
Tutorial Offering 10 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Tutorial Offering 11 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
Tutorial Offering 12 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Wed 16:00 - 16:50
Tutorial Offering 13 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Tutorial Offering 14 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Tutorial Offering 15 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
Tutorial Offering 16 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Thurs 15:00 - 15:50
Tutorial Offering 17 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Fri 10:00 - 10:50
Tutorial Offering 18 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32 Thurs 16:00 - 16:50
Spring