EU9194: Introduction to Political Science
School | null |
Department Code | null |
Module Code | EU9194 |
External Subject Code | L200 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Level | L4 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Dr Stephen Thornton |
Semester | Spring Semester |
Academic Year | 2013/4 |
Outline Description of Module
The primary goal of this module is to introduce first year students tothe main approaches used in contemporary political science. This will include discussion of issues relating to ontology and epistemology; examination of eight approaches to the study of politics; and introduction to “meta-theoretical” issues such as structure and/or agency, the role of ideas in explanation and understanding 'change'.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Knowledge and Understanding:
How the module will be delivered
The module is to be delivered through a combination of small and large group teaching. In line with the learning objectives, these experiences will provide a platform of knowledge of the basic approaches to the study of political science, and start the process towards giving students confidence to perform independent research enhanced later in the Politics programme through the Political research module and the dissertation.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Effectively structure and communicate ideas through written work; develop a reasoned argument and the ability to synthesize information; present plausible arguments verbally through participation in seminars; and develop the skills necessary to engage in intelligent, respectful debate.
How the module will be assessed
Type of assessment
|
% Contribution |
Title |
Duration |
Approx. date of Assessment |
Essay |
50 |
|
|
March/April |
Examination |
50 |
|
1.5 hours |
May/June |
Essay and /or examination, depending on which element(s) were failed.
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Written Assessment | 50 | Introduction To Political Science | N/A |
Exam - Spring Semester | 50 | Introduction To Political Science | 1.5 |
Syllabus content
The course is based around a series of lectures and seminars, covering such topics as:
- The nature of political science
- Ontology and epistemology
- Behaviouralism
- Rational choice
- Institutionalism
- Political psychology
- Feminism
- Constructivism and Interpretive Theory
- Meta-Theoretical Issues
- Normative Theory
Essential Reading and Resource List
Grix, J. (2002),Introducing Students tothe Generic Terminology of Social Research,Politics, 22, 3, pp.175-186.
Hay, C. (2002), Political Analysis, Palgrave.
Marsh, D. and Savigny, H. (2004), ‘Political Science as a Broad Church: The Search for a Pluralist Discipline’, Politics, 24, 3, pp.155-168.
Marsh, D. and Stoker, G. (eds) (2010), Theory and Methods in Political Science, 3nd ed., Palgrave.
Moses, J. and Knutsen, T. (2012), Ways of Knowing, 2nd ed., Palgrave.
Savigny, H. and Marsden, L. (2011), Doing Political Science and International Relations, Palgrave.