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

• Develop an understanding of some of the most important thinkers in the history of western political thought and evaluate their responses to some of the central questions of political philosophy.
• Develop the ability to interpret and evaluate complex texts in the history of political thought.
• Identify and apply different methodological approaches to texts.
• Develop students’ ability to theorise political issues.

Content

• Topics will vary from year to year, but indicative topics may include: the justification of the state; democracy and its critics; individual liberty and social control; justice, equality, and the justification of private property.
• The course will look at how some of the key thinkers in western political thought have addressed these topics.

Learning Outcomes

• Core concepts, arguments, and debates in the history of political thought.
• Competing accounts of the character and dynamics of political order.

• Identify, interpret, and apply appropriate methods of historical and normative analysis to political problems, ideas, and arguments.
• Identify, assess, and apply diverse sources to engage effectively with theoretical debates in the history of political thought.
• Analyse and critically evaluate the works of different political thinkers, producing reason-based judgements and arguments.

• Develop and deploy skills in conceptual analysis, critical thinking, and argumentative reasoning.
• Effectively communicate complex information based on the analysis, comparison, and assessment of theories and concepts, with clarity, confidence, and precision.
• Work independently to complete tasks efficiently, effectively, and to a deadline, in which project design and management skills are required.

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

• Lectures provide an introduction to some of the core concepts, arguments, and debates in the history of political thought. Sessions will be led by the lecturer, but there will be opportunities for student-lecturer and student-student interactions. Lecture recordings will be made available after the lecture via the module’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
• Readings will enable students to deepen their subject specific knowledge as well as some of their subject specific skills, such as their ability to interpret and evaluate political thinkers’ ideas and arguments. Readings will be available via the module’s reading list on the VLE. Each topic will have essential and further readings, clearly indicated to enhance accessibility.
• Seminars will focus on collaborative, discussion-based learning, developing students’ subject specific and key skills, in particular the skill to engage in critical thinking and to communicate effectively. Seminar questions will be used to structure the sessions. These will be available in advance via the VLE.
• Formative assessment: The formative assessment will be a short essay. The essay will give students practice interpreting texts, applying appropriate methods, and presenting reasoned-based arguments. The formative assessment will provide an important opportunity for feedback and improvement.
• Summative assessments:
• The first summative assessment is a 2,000-word take-home essay. In this assignment must expand on their in-class formative drawing on the lecturer feedback to improve their work and draw on an additional thinker to critically evaluate, compare, and contrast the works of different thinkers on a topic.
• The second summative assessment is an in-person written exam. Students will write a short essay within the 2-hour window. The exam tests students understanding of key thinkers and positions in the history of political thought, their ability to interpret complex arguments of other thinkers, and to present reason-based interpretations and arguments of their own.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Short essay (750 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.