Introductory description

What is 'politics'? Are human beings inherently 'political'? What are the boundaries of 'the political'? How should we study politics? These are among the questions that this core first year module gets you to engage in as it lays the foundations for study in all undergraduate degrees in the Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS). The module offers a critically reflective space for thinking about how we can study politics and what 'politics' means. It introduces some of the core concepts in the study of Politics and International Studies and considers some of the major drivers of political change as well as political inertia. The aim is to provide you with the conceptual tools needed for more advanced study in the rest of your degree. The module mixes theory and political practice and encourages you to link your own experiences of, and interests in, politics to the ways in which the subject is studied. The assigned readings come mostly from political science, political theory, and the study of political systems but also include perspectives from overlapping disciplines such as sociology, economics, geography and history.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Lectures will cover topics on 'What is Politics?'; 'Methods and Theoretical Approaches'; 'Actors, Institutions & Ideas'; 'Power and Authority'; 'The State'; 'Democracy & Legitimacy'; 'Authoritarianism'; 'Representation and Participation'; 'Political Parties & Pressure Groups'; 'Ideology'; 'End of Ideology, Post-Truth, Populism, Media, and the Crisis of Politics'; 'Political Change and Revolution'; 'Domestic and International Security'; 'Identity Politics'; 'Environment, Climate Change, Sustainable Development'; 'Political Economy, Development and Social Welfare'; and 'Depoliticisation'.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Be able to identify and discuss critically several of the main theoretical perspectives and debates in political science
• Have the knowledge foundation for more detailed and in-depth study of political theory, political processes, political institutions and political change in second and final year modules
• Be able to write appropriately constructed essays in a critical and analytical fashion
• Have developed enhanced study, independent learning, and communications skills

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Interdisciplinary

Although students are introduced to key ideologies in politics, this is supplemented with concepts from sociology, economics, geography and history.

International

This module covers themes and issues relevant to understanding the politics of many different countries in the international system.

Subject specific skills

1. Being able to identify, and analyse, the main issues and theoretical perspectives;
2. Understanding of the core concepts used by political scientists and political theorists;
3. Identify and evaluate political and policy-making processes, and the political ideologies that inform them;
4. Be able to consider the nature of and prospects for political transformation and the significance of these for the study of politics;

Transferable skills

1. Developing effective communication, both in written and spoken form, through the use of formative and assessed written work, examinations, seminar presentations and general seminar work;
2. The use of problem-solving techniques that are included in seminar work, including group work, and research for formative and assessed work;
3. The discerning use of the internet as a research tool in preparation for seminars and formative exercises;
4. Development of the techniques of argument, writing and critical thinking;
5. Working with others as part of group work exercises.