Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module HIST52430: THE HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT 1500-1800, II

Department: History

HIST52430: THE HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT 1500-1800, II

Type Open Level 4 Credits 30 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap

Prerequisites

  • HIST52330

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • Further study of early modern British and European political thought at an advanced level, extending work undertaken in the History of Political Thought 1500-1800, I, and normally leading to a dissertation in this field.

Content

  • The module will address additional selected aspects of early-modern political thought, reflecting current debate on the subject, and the particular interests of the student. Major (for example, Bodin, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, and Burke) as well as more minor figures can be covered. Particular attention will be paid to the context and transmission of political thought as well as to the ideas themselves, and students will be able to consider the relationship of political ideology to religious belief, and to the changing articulation of the state during this period.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
    Subject-specific Skills:
      Key Skills:

        Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

        • Objectives are to be met through a programme of intensive directed reading, regular discussion of issues arising from the reading, and the production of an extensive piece of writing on an agreed subject.

        Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

        Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
        Tutorials 5 fortnightly 1.5 7.5
        Other: Unscheduled meetings as requested by the student. Variable Variable Variable 2.5
        Preparation & Reading 290
        Total 300

        Summative Assessment

        Component: Essay Component Weighting: 100%
        Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
        Essay 5000 words 100%

        Formative Assessment:

        Discussion of work in progress.


        Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University