Course Details in 2019/20 Session

Module Title	LC Introduction to Political Theory
School	Government
Department	Political Sci & Intern'tl Stud
Module Code	08 31384
Module Lead	Dominic Welburn
Level	Certificate Level
Credits	20
Semester
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module introduces students of political science to the practice which is known as ‘political theory’. To do so it focuses upon the history of an activity. The module thereby allows students to consider a sequence of historical political thinkers and texts, whilst at each stage we ask: are their recommendations for political life either desirable or persuasive? Why should visions of political life differ so greatly? And are the problems of these historical thinkers still ‘our own’? In the process of introducing political theory by means of its historical development, students are provided with the capacity to begin to use a range of key concepts effectively (including ethics, sovereignty, constitutions, the common good, rights, tradition, liberty, exploitation, and power).
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module, students should be able to: Know and be able to discuss the central themes, concepts and ideas in the early development of the central tradition of Western Political thought (from Plato to Rousseau) Understand and assess the structure and significance of particular texts produced within this tradition and be able to illustrate problems involved in their interpretation Be aware and illustrate the complexity, difficulty and contention associated with the activity of theorising Be able to address a number of key questions in political theory with reference to texts and arguments introduced in the course.
Assessment	31384-01 : 1000 Word Book Report : Coursework (25%) 31384-02 : 3 Hour Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (75%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Book report (written): 1000 words, 25%; Exam: 3 hours, 75% Reassessment: 3 hour examination
Other
Reading List