Sources in Modernity and Post-Modernity
| Module title | Sources in Modernity and Post-Modernity |
|---|---|
| Module code | POLM803 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Simon Townsend (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
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.
Module aims - intentions of the module
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)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 278 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 22 hours | Weekly meetings (2-3 hours per week), comprising both substantive classes, and preparation for and participation in the Reading Group meetings. |
| Guided independent study | 150 | Reading and taking notes on core texts |
| Guided independent study | 28 | preparation for reading group |
| Guided independent study | 50 | drafting essays |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Textual Commentary | 2,000 words | 1-7 | 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 | 5,500 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 (Different Question) | Essay (5,500 words) | 1-7 | August/September reassessment period |
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). C. Schmitt, The Concept of the Political (Chicago, 1995), H. Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism (Penguin, 2017)
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2008 |
| Last revision date | 25/04/2022 |
