Module SGIA1021: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS: STATE AND SOCIETY

Department: Government and International Affairs

SGIA1021: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS: STATE AND SOCIETY

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• The module introduces students to the systematic study of political structures, processes and behavior within the context of the liberal-democratic nation state.
• It familiarizes students with a selection of important concepts and theories used in the study of the liberal-democratic state and its relationship to society.
• The module equips students for the further study of political institutions and processes at Level 2, and acquaints them with relevant theoretical debates.

Content

• The module introduces students to some key themes in the study of the liberal-democratic nation state and its relationship to society. It is divided into two parts, state and society. 'State' includes the study of forms of state organization (e.g.federalism), the components of the state (e.g.legislature, bureaucracy) and formal structures which act upon the state (e.g. political parties, interest groups). 'Society' includes the study of economic context (e.g. Marxism, modernization theory), cultural context (e.g. the civic culture), and political participation (e.g. voting behavior, social movements).
• The module also includes study skills training via lectures in conjunction with Level - 1 modules 'Introduction to International Relations' and 'Ideas and Ideologies'.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will acquire introductory knowledge and understanding of: The political institutions characteristic of liberal-democratic states and the processes involved in the relationship between these and the wider society.
• Key concepts used in the description and analysis of political institutions and political processes in liberal-democratic states.
• The application of these in analytical and explanatory frameworks.
• Conflict between rival frameworks in the analysis of political phenomena.

• Students will begin to develop an ability to: Apply a range of descriptive and explanatory political concepts to specific cases.
• Evaluate rival theories and interpretations with reference to factual evidence.
• Appreciate the contested nature of the understanding of political phenomena.

• Students will begin to develop their ability to: Use reading lists as the basis for assembling relevant sources and use the Library.
• Acquire knowledge from lectures as well and written sources and compile it into structured essays in response to specific questions.
• Review, reinforce and integrate their knowledge and understanding in written form under pressure of time and without supporting materials.

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

• Teaching is delivered via a series of lectures supported by tutorials.
• Lectures take two forms: those oriented to the intellectual content of the module, and those aimed specifically at the inculcation of relevant skills, including research and writing skills (auditory comprehension and note-taking are practiced and developed in all lectures).
• Tutorials are driven by student oral presentations and group discussion of these guided by the tutor, helping to develop powers of argument and flexible deployment of knowledge.
• Formative essays help develop researching and writing skills, as well as time management.
• Oral presentations help develop skills in presenting knowledge orally, as well as developing research skills.
• An examination tests acquired knowledge and the ability to recall and marshal it constructively and in a focused manner, under time pressure.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Two 1500 word essays, feedback via proforma. One 10 minute presentation, feedback via proforma.

■ 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