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Sources in Modernity and Post-Modernity

Module description

This module is the main core course for the MA programmes in Political Theory (History of Political Thought, and Social and Political Thought). It is also open to other students on related areas of study. Part of it is run in conjunction with the Political Theory Reading Group in Semester 1. The latter is a postgraduate and faculty research seminar series in the Politics Department. Participation in the Reading Group is meant to introduce you to contemporary debates and approaches. Normal classes will introduce you to the formation of modern political and social thought, examining some of the main themes characterizing both modern and post-modern debates. The module is intended to develop your ability to critically reflect about the nature and scope of political and social thought

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module is the main core course for the MA programmes in Political Theory (History of Political Thought, and Social and Political Thought). It is also open to other students on related areas of study. Part of it is run in conjunction with the Political Theory Reading Group in Semester 1. The latter is a postgraduate and faculty research seminar series in the Politics Department. Participation in the Reading Group is meant to introduce students to contemporary debates and approaches. Normal classes will introduce students to the formation of modern political and social thought, examining some of the main themes characterizing both modern and post-modern debates. The module is intended to develop your ability to critically reflect about the nature and scope of political and social thought

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate substantive knowledge of the thinkers and topics studied. Ability to reconstruct the socio-historical and intellectual contexts of debates in political theory.
• 2. Analyze concepts and texts critically.
• 3. Understand the role that various authors and debates have played in shaping modern political and social thought, and more generally of the character of modern and post-modern thought.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Critically evaluate the arguments studied for coherence, plausibility and relevance.
• 5. Show how argument impacts on practice and the ways in which philosophical argument is transformed both through time and through deployment in political action.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Grasp and present complex arguments with clarity and concision
• 7. Communicate effectively in speech and writing, work independently and with peers to achieve goals

Syllabus plan

The module explores some of the main themes in modern and post-modern political thought from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Topics selected may vary from year to year. Main debates covered may comprise several of the following themes: Liberty; Toleration; State and Civil Society; Capitalism and the Market; Social Contract theories; the idea of Enlightenment; Utility and Pleasure; Post-modernity. Topics for the Reading Group vary from year to year, comprising a variety of texts and approaches in political thought.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Hobbes, Leviathan (Cambridge, 1996); John Locke, A Letter concerning Toleration (Cambridge, 2008); I. Kant, What is Enlightenment (Cambridge, 1994); J. S. Mill. On Liberty (Oxford, 1995); Friedrich Nietzsche. On the Genealogy of Morals (Cambridge, 1991).

Key words search

Modernity Post-Modernity