Module SGIA2171: FOUNDATIONS OF WESTERN POLITICAL THOUGHT

Department: Government and International Affairs

SGIA2171: FOUNDATIONS OF WESTERN POLITICAL THOUGHT

Prerequisites

• Any Level 1 SGIA module

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• The module will enable students to develop a knowledge of the history of political thought appropriate to Level 2.
• It will require them to read a series of major texts and place them in their historical and intellectual contexts.
• It will contribute to the development of a systematic understanding of politics, including its contested nature and boundaries.
• The module will build on the introduction to the rhetorical and philosophical basis of political concepts which students receive in the first year module 'Ideas and Ideologies'.
• It will contribute to students' acquisition of detailed and specific knowledge of the subject, in part informed by developments at the forefront of academic enquiry.
• It will contribute to an understanding of key concepts, theories and methods in the study of political thought.
• It will prepare students for advanced modules in political thought in their final year in which texts and ideas are considered in more depth and in wider national and analytical contexts.

Content

• Students will be required to study a range of key texts in the history of political thought and to locate them in their historical and intellectual contexts.
• They will be encouraged to reflect on why key texts are regarded as 'key'.
• Topics will vary from year to year, but they may include the following political thinkers: Plato, Aristotle, St Augustine, Machiavelli, Locke, Burke, Bentham, Mill, Marx.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will develop a knowledge and understanding of: an appropriate selection of the principal figures in Western political philosophy.
• the broad thrust of the history of Western political thought.
• the historical and cultural context of political discourse.
• the contested and dynamic nature of politics as both a significant field of human activity and as an academic subject.

• Students will develop a range of subject-specific skills, including: accurate and effective description of a range of political theories and concepts.
• identification and application of appropriate methods of critical analysis to political arguments.
• critical reflection on the nature of political debate in relation to specific historical and intellectual contexts.
• understanding the significance of political ideas and ideals to the conduct of politics.

• students will develop a range of key skills, including: retrieving and utilising resources to which they have been directed.
• identifying resources on their own initiative.
• assessing the suitability and quality of resources.
• planning and successful completion of written assignments.
• self-organisation and time-management.
• self reliance and self criticism.
• writing concise examination answers under time pressure.

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

• Lectures will give a detailed outline, appropriate to a Level 2 module, of the context and content of the texts and ideas to be studied and advice as to critical approach and reading. There will be a revision lecture in addition to prepare students for the examination.
• Formatively assessed tutorials will supplement and deepen the content of lectures and provide an opportunity for the presentation and discussion of selected issues.
• The meetings will be based upon prescribed texts with suitable guidance on the issues they raise.
• The tutorial programme will enable students to explore aspects of political thought critically and in detail and to develop skills in communication and group participation.
• Students will be required to undertake independent bibliographical research which will be assessed formatively with appropriate feedback.
• The bibliographic assignment will give students some practice in distinguishing good from poor quality Web sites in the field of political thought, requiring the inclusion of two items from this source. The formative essay will give students practice in addressing specific questions relating to the history of political thought. This will provide a basis for their revision and disciplined argument required in the examination.
• The written examination will test the subject-specific knowledge, subject specific skills and key skills acquired during the module in accordance with departmental assessment criteria.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Tutorial presentations, formatively assessed by feedback sheet and individual discussion where necessary. One annotated bibliographic assignment (1000 words). One formative essay (1500 words)

■ 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