This module asks critical questions about the boundaries, rights and duties of modern states and their citizens, through an examination of core concepts in political thought. The questions asked on this course will include both foundational questions, such as about the justification of state power, the freedoms and duties of citizens, and the value or otherwise of democracy, as interpreted by a range of ideological traditions; and questions which apply these foundational positions to key contemporary concerns such as around the nature of the just state with regard to immigration policy, state welfare policy, and global interventions. 

• Explain and critically analyse contemporary debates in political theory using the key ideas, concepts, and principles covered in the course, and with an understanding of the positions taken by different ideological perspectives.
• Construct arguments, both verbally and in written work, drawing on relevant literature and using carefully selected examples. 
• Write careful, well-organised philosophical prose.  
• Work independently. 

The module will be delivered through a mix of large group and small group sessions, including, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.   

Transferable / Employability Skills: 

It is worth bearing in mind that, even though the point of the module is to do philosophy, many of the skills you’ll be developing are also highly valued by graduate employers. These include: 

• Critical Thinking: e.g., the ability to understand, structure and critically evaluate the key points and arguments made in written texts and discussions––achieved through e.g. reading, small group activities in lectures and seminars, plenary discussions in seminars, reflecting on lecture materials, essay and exam preparation and writing. 
• Communication: the ability to formulate and articulate your critical thinking, both orally and on paper, in ways that others can grasp and engage with––achieved through e.g. small group work in seminars, seminar discussions, essay/exam writing. 
• Organisation: the ability to organise and coordinate workloads––achieved through balancing e.g. reading, seminar preparation, essay/exam preparation.
• Working with others: e.g. co-constructing ideas, responding sensitively to others––achieved through e.g. small group work in seminars, group presentations. 

The assessment(s) for this module will be published in due course.

This module will draw on the latest contemporary debates in political philosophy. Specific topics covered will change each year, however, indicative topics this module may address include:

• What belongs in the realm of private concern and what belongs in the realm of political theory?
• How should we understand political concepts such as liberty, equality and justice?
• What justifies state power?
• What justifies civil disobedience?
• Why, if at all, should states be democratic?
• What would a just state look like, in terms of key contemporary issues, such as immigration policy, state welfare provision, and reparation for past injustices?