Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved
College College Social Sciences
School Government
Department Political Sci & Intern'tl Stud
Partner College and School Philosophy
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title B.A. Political Science and Philosophy with Year Abroad Full-time
Programme Code 692E
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 4 Year(s)
Accreditations This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

The development of students' political analysis skills is central to the Birmingham Political Science degree. Core modules at each level have been designed progressively to develop them. They are then applied and developed in a range of optional modules. Core 'research' modules at levels one and two also help to draw out and emphasise the generic applications of these skills. The core 'research' and 'analysis' modules are designed to prepare students for their final year dissertations, to which the department attaches considerably significance, reflected in its weight in the final degree result.

Philosophy
The programme aims to provide students with the opportunity to engage with the range of expertise and internationally recognized research undertaken in the Dept. of Philosophy. Through these various aims and provisions, the programmes will enrich the lives of students who take them, and will provide society with the resource of graduates who can think and express their thoughts in a clear and logical manner. Graduates equipped with these transferable skills as well as with the knowledge of the subject’s contents will be employed in a wide range of occupations.
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
The texts, theories and arguments of some of the major analytical philosophers, both past and present.

Some central theories and arguments in some of the core areas of analytical philosophy: metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, and moral and political philosophy.

Some theories and arguments that are the subject of current research in contemporary analytical philosophy

A range of techniques of philosophical reasoning, and how those techniques are brought to bear on philosophical theories and problems.

Basic logical notation and proof procedures, and of the most important ways in which those techniques inform analytic philosophy in general.

Year Abroad only Demonstrate the ability to study relevant topics at an international institution and appreciate the difference between study in the UK and overseas.

The scope and contested nature of International Relations
(Various) foundations of and approaches to international theory and analysis
The broad range and historical development of international theory
Relevant research methodologies
The process of conducting research
Specialist areas of international relations
Lectures, tutorials, seminars discussion, independent study, close crucial reading of texts, the design and construction of essays and other assessments
1-6: Lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations, individual and group project work
Philosophy
Exams, essays, coursework exercises, project work
1-6: Essays, unseen examinations, take-home examinations, oral examinations, individual presentations, group project/presentations, research outline, research project (dissertation)
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
To interpret philosophical writing from a variety of ages and traditions

To analyse positions and arguments

To present cogent arguments in defence of their views, verbally and in writing

To understand and use a range of specialised philosophical terminology

To display independent understanding of philosophical views and arguments, and to work independently - including devising and researching pieces of philosophical writing of various lengths – and in groups

Writing skills
Oral communication skills
Skills of critical analysis and argument
Group work
Time management
Independent research skills
Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Independent study skills (self-organisation, initiative and self-direction; time management; autonomous research skills; the ability to collect, organise, synthesise and evaluate information; planning, drafting and editing) The ability to produce an extended piece of academic writing, drawing on independent study skills acquired on the programme
Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Transferable skills relevant to employment, including problem-solving, self-reliance, initiative, adaptability, flexibility, resilience, self-motivation, and competences such as note-taking, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, ability to use and manipulate digital resources and to present information and ideas effectively using ICT.
Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Ability to summarise, synthesise, analyse and evaluate others’ arguments, and to formulate their own logical and structured arguments, normally both orally and in writing, with appropriate supporting evidence. both in English and in the target language(s)
Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Ability to work as a member of a team in a range of contexts, including the capacity to listen, to respond flexibly to feedback, to understand diverse perspectives, and to negotiate solutions collectively
Philosophy
1-2, 6-10: Lectures, seminars, independent study and research: essays at levels 1, 2 and 3, dissertation at level 3. Group project work: assessed at level 1 (project), informally at level 2 (Study Tour). Oral presentations: group presentation at level 1 (project), , individually at level 3 (Special Subject).

3-10. Lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshop discussions (including, at Stage 1 and 2, sessions with explicitly methodological contents and sessions involving individual and group presentations), independent study, close reading of texts, the design and construction of essays and other assessments.

11. Year Abroad (as delivered by host institution)
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations, individual and group project work. Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

1. Attendance at plenaries and/or engagement with online environment, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library and artistic collections, IT and other information sources. Individual and group project work

2. By definition, language work and content modules involve new, ‘difficult’ material that requires the independent application and ownership of techniques taught in classes and lectures if it is to be understood fully and mastered. An emphasis on close analysis is intended to broaden the range and sophistication of students’ interpretations of material, and to allow students to produce not so much expositions as substantiated arguments and positions. Problem Based Learning (PBL) exercises, presentations, group project work and other forms of independent learning are germane to all parts of the programme. The Year Abroad offers a particular opportunity for the development of independent capability, personally as well as linguistically and intellectually. A range of formative assessment modes are used throughout the degree.
Coverage of Modern Languages professions is built into all core language modules. Opportunities for work experience may be acquired through non-credit bearing summer placements (Year 2) and/ or placements followed during the Year Abroad. Individual and group project work

3. Target language seminars combined with extensive reading and other forms of exposure to and practice in the target language(s).
Residence abroad (– n/a for 3 year programme). Attendance at plenaries and/or engagement with online environment, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library, IT and other information sources. Individual and group project work

4. Contribution to seminars and tutorials; discussion of formative presentations, group work
Philosophy
1-2, 6-10. Examinations, extended essays, seminar presentation, group work, commentaries, reviews and other appropriate assessments, and (for BA only) dissertation

3-10. Exams, essays, coursework exercises, project work (and as part of several modules, group presentations).

11. Year Abroad Module (assessment as required by host institution).
Methods of assessment include: Essays, unseen examinations, take-home examinations, individual presentations, group project/presentations, research outline and research project (dissertation) Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

1. Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. group project/presentations, research outline, research project (dissertation)
2. Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. Group project/presentations, research outline, research project (dissertation)
3. Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. group project/presentations, research outline, research project (dissertation)
4. Contribution to seminars and tutorials; discussion of formative presentations, group work