PL9194: Introduction to Political Science

School Politics and International Relations
Department Code LAWPL
Module Code PL9194
External Subject Code 100491
Number of Credits 20
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Stephen Thornton
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2014/5

Outline Description of Module

The primary goal of this module is to introduce first year students to the 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:

On completion of this module the students should be able to describe, deploy and criticise some of the approaches to politics used in contemporary political science; demonstrate awareness of the relevance of ontology and epistemology to those approaches; demonstrate understanding of meta-theoretical issues; and use the relevant specialist vocabularies deployed in these approaches and debates.

Intellectual Skills:

On completion of this module the students should be able to develop a reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise critical judgement (assessed through essay and examination); gather, organize and deploy evidence and information from a variety of sources (assessed through essay); and manage her/his own learning in a self-critical manner (assessed through essay and examination).

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
(if applicable)

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 Essay (Spring Semester) N/A
Exam - Spring Semester 50 Introduction To Political Science Exam 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
  • Marxism
  • Constructivism and Interpretive Theory
  • Meta-Theoretical Issues
  • Normative Theory

Essential Reading and Resource List

Please see background reading list for an indicative list.

Background 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.

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