POL30750 The Concept of Representation

Academic Year 2020/2021

Representation is a fundamental concept within the social sciences and humanities. The purpose of this course is to understand the nature of "political" representation, the various ways in which it is enacted in different contexts, and how to think about these forms of representation normatively. The first part of the course focuses on the dual power of representation as a force for a) illuminating the world as it is and b) creating the social world anew by articulat-ing it differently. Political representation is thereby discussed as a highly creative force that allows us to reveal truth, motivate change, and engage in deceit.

The second part of the course explores, at an abstract level, various ways in which individuals and groups can and should be represented in the political arena, both electorally and non-electorally. Questions include: what exactly is it that representatives ought to be representing – interests, values, perspectives, the common good? Is it more important to be represented by someone that is “like me” or someone that I agree with? Should representatives follow their own conscience or mirror the preferences of those they claim to represent?

The third part of the course looks more concretely at several contemporary forms of representation (technocracy, emergency decision-making, partisanship and populism). We will discuss questions concerning the normative role of political parties, what might be problematic or desirable about populism as a form of political representation, whether or not technocratic forms of representation can be justified, and how does representative politics change (for better or worse) when faced with emergencies (like the euro-crisis or COVID-19).

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module you will:
• have a good understanding of contrasting perspectives on the nature of political repre-sentation, the various ways in which it can be enacted, and how to think about differ-ent forms of representation normatively;
• have developed your ability to read and analyse philosophical texts;
• have developed your skills in written and oral argument; and
• improve on your ability to write a well-structured extended essay in political theory

Indicative Module Content:

Social constructivism
Modern political representation in historical context
The nature of representative "claims"
Descriptive representation
The principal-agent model
Truth
Militant democracy
Partisan representation
Populism
Technocracy

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

176
Total

200
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Reflective learning through short papers
Peer-to-peer learning through discussion groups
Critical writing through extended essay 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
The Concept of Representation (POL30580)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: 3,200 word paper to be selected by student from a defined set of possible questions. Unspecified n/a Graded No

64
Continuous Assessment: 3 x 600-word response papers demonstrating critical engagment with the themes of an assigned topic. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

36

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
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?

Individual feedback will be given on response papers. Feedback on summative essays can be attained by contacting the module coordinator following the announcement of results on Gradebook.