Module SGIA1191: Democratic Political Systems

Department: Government and International Affairs

SGIA1191: Democratic Political Systems

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To enable students to gain detailed knowledge of two democratic political systems, their development, structure, and political context.
• To encourage students to critically assess key aspects and theories of how these systems function.
• To understand the dynamics of political order and distribution of power within two distinct political systems.

Content

• Indicative topics will be covered with regard to both political systems with a focus on comparison:
• the historical, socio-economic and cultural context of each system of government.
• the constitutional framework and its importance.
• the form and operation of the electoral and party systems.
• the territorial and institutional distribution of political authority in each system.
• the organization, operation and interaction of the main branches of government in both systems.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of:
• the institutional apparatus of democratic states and the social-political and political-cultural environments in which they operate;
• the historical basis of the institutional apparatus of democratic states;
• main areas of scholarly debate in the analysis of democratic institutions and processes.

• Students will acquire the ability to:
• accurately and effectively describe political institutions and processes in the context of democratic states and place them in appropriate historical and comparative context;
• analyse and evaluate competing conceptualizations and explanations of political phenomena, producing defensible judgements.

• Students will develop their ability to:
• review, reinforce, and integrate their knowledge independently and based on feedback in preparation for an examination;
• effectively communicate complex information based on the analysis, comparison and assessment of theories, concepts and data through written formats in a time sensitive frame and to learn to create compelling arguments based upon prior knowledge;
• demonstrate these and the above acquisitions 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

• Digital learning: The module will use a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to provide students with access to core materials that will support synchronous learning sessions, including:
• Required and additional readings for specific learning sessions that scaffold learning and ensure accessibility to synchronous sessions for all students
• Lecture recordings
• Curated on-line resources linked to specific learning sessions that provide representative and inclusive reference points for all students
• Appropriate multi-media and open educational resources
• These will help convey core concepts, theories, methods, and empirical material linked to security dynamics of various sorts in advance of classroom sessions and support subsequent reflection as well as assessment preparation.
• Lectures are divided substantively by term. Each term covers a different democratic political system. They provide an opportunity for academic staff to review core material, expand on specific theoretical and/or empirical aspects, and to initiate and facilitate active learning.
• Seminars provide students with the opportunity for smaller group discussions and activities facilitated by a seminar leader to gain a deeper understanding to the theoretical concepts and empirical patterns.
• Formative essays help develop researching and writing skills, as well as time management.
• Summative Assessment: 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 essays of 1,500 words

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.