GV150-4-SP-CO:
Politics and Power

The details
2023/24
Government
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
14 March 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

BA L2CH Social Sciences,
BA LFCH Social Sciences,
BSC LL20 Politics with Data Science,
BSC LL21 Politics with Data Science,
BSC LL22 Politics with Data Science

Module description

We study some fundamental texts of the `Western` philosophical tradition and seek to examine the assumptions underlying these texts as well as the implications they have for us today.

We will explore profound themes such as class, freedom, violence, the meanings of labour and gender, and the effects of modern, mass society on the individual. We will locate these texts in their respective historical contexts to better understand them as political acts. That is, these authors were responding to their particular contexts and trying to effect change. Our purpose in engaging with these texts is not to canonize them; rather, it is to understand their contribution to the history of the western world – for better or for worse.

Module aims

1. To introduce students to critics of liberalism and to stimulate interest in the topic

2. To familiarise students with key concepts in modern political theory and with debates that surround these concepts.

3. To equip students with the understanding of the relevance of political theory to the study of politics. These are not esoteric texts; they are profound political acts with current relevance.

Module learning outcomes

The concepts and debates taught in this module constitute the bread and butter issues of politics. Anyone interested in politics and related fields should therefore find the content of value both as a citizen, and across numerous professions, including positions in the law, and with NGOs, think tanks, political parties, and the civil services.

If a student’s specialisation is in empirical political science, the normative study of politics develops students’ sense of which empirical questions and topics are morally important and why. Thus, the course is useful for students preparing to undertake postgraduate research in political science.

Module information

GV151 is highly recommended as a pre-requisite

Learning and teaching methods

2 hour seminar

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Quiz 1    30% 
Coursework   Quiz 2    40% 
Coursework   Reassessment without attendance 2022-23 ONLY IF REQUIRED BY EXAM BOARD     
Coursework   Written Assignment    30% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Laura Montanaro, email: lmonta@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Laura Montanaro
Module Supervisor: Dr Montanaro, lmonta@essex.ac.uk Module Administrator: Nicola Rowley, govquery@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
Yes
Yes
No

External examiner

No external examiner information available for this module.
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 14 (70%) hours available to students:
4 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
2 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Government

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