Modern Political Theory
| Module title | Modern Political Theory |
|---|---|
| Module code | POC1028 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Brendan Carey (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 60 |
|---|
Module description
This course will provide you with a foundation in core political concepts through a reading of canonical texts of modern political theory. Authors will include major political theorists throughout the modern period from Machiavelli to Marx. We will address a number of crucial political questions including: what is the basis of legitimate government and political obligation? What is the relationship between individuals and the state? What is the nature of liberty and equality? How does the institution of private property interact with the exercise of political power? In exploring these questions, we will observe the development of central political concepts against the backdrop of the French and American revolutions. Core readings will reflect upon the conceptual framework through which we interpret political practices and institutions and will provide a crucial foundation for future study.
No prior knowledge skills or experience are required to take this module and it is suitable for specialist and non-specialist students. The module is suitable for students studying Politics and History.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to provide you with an introduction to key topics in modern political theory by presenting major concepts, theoretical debates, historical events and cultural and academic texts. It aims to allow you to interpret and analyse historical arguments by placing them in their context and drawing connections between historical debates and contemporary political issues. The course will provide you with an understanding of core concepts in politics such as the state, rights, power, obligation, citizenship and property.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary political theory ;
- 2. Demonstrate knowledge of the major historical trends in political theory from the social contract tradition to republicanism, feminism, post-colonialism;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Assimilate taught materials and utilise them to analyse different forms of political contestation;
- 4. Demonstrate knowledge of major political theories and understand them in their historical context;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Research and write analytical essays;
- 6. Formulate critical arguments; and
- 7. Communicate arguments effectively through written submissions.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Political Theory: Ancient and Modern
- Machiavelli Power Politics
- Hobbes: A New Science of Politics
- Locke: Consent and Limited Government
- Rousseau: The Social Contract
- Rousseau and The French Revolution
- The American Revolution and the Federalists
- Radicalising Revolution: Feminism and Slavery
- Marx’s Critique of Alienation
- Marx: The Communist Manifesto
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 27.5 | 122.5 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 16.5 | 11 x 1.5 hour lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 11 | 11 x 1 hour tutorials |
| Guided Independent Study | 45 | directed reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 6 | completing the formative research outline |
| Guided Independent Study | 26.5 | completing the essay |
| Guided Independent Study | 45 | studying for the exam |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Textual Analysis | 500 words | 1, 2, 4 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 100 | 2,500 words | 1-7 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (2,500 words) | 1-7 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince
John Locke, Two Treatises on Government
Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Social Contract
Maximilien Robespierre, The Justification of the Use of Terror
Gordon S. Wood, The Radicalism of the American Revolution
Wollstonecraft, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
Christopher Rose, The Haitian Revolution
Anthony Bogues, The Dual Haitian Revolution and the Making of Freedom in Modernity
Leslie Thiele, Theory and Politics
Hannah Arendt, Between Past and Future
Karl Marx , The Communist Manifesto
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 17/10/2017 |
| Last revision date | 14/02/2022 |
