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2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MODL1100 Politics, Culture and Society

20 creditsClass Size: 120

Module manager: Dr Gregorio Alonso
Email: G.Alonso@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

What are the key debates that shape the practice of politics at international level? How can theory helps us better understand and analyse the practice of politics in the world today? How can awareness of differing cultural and intercultural perspectives help us better understand contemporary international politics? This module will introduce these themes and explore them in relation to a range of issues drawn from around the world. Because they are shaped by the current research interests of the staff teaching the module, the precise topics covered will vary from year to year. They might typically include: Colonialism and Post-ColonialismNationalism and Self-DeterminationPolitical Regimes: Democracy vs. AutocracyConflict and RevolutionsGender Globalisation and International Society

Objectives

- Introduce students to the core theoretical and conceptual ideas underpinning the practice of contemporary politics: colonialism, nationalism, democracy, revolution, gender and globalisation
- Analyse critical primary and secondary texts in these areas.
- Have a strong comparative dimension, applying these political theories in case-studies drawn from a broad international context.
- Provide a solid foundation for modules in politics/culture/society in Levels 2 and 3.
- Introduce independent research skills (semester 2 assessment) and thereby provide a foundation for the research-based learning pursued throughout the programme.
- Familiarity with key skills for undergraduate study, such as: (i) presentation (ii) library skills (iii) referencing (iii) independent study and analysis (iv) familiarity with academic integrity issues.

Learning outcomes
Fundamentals of selected ideas and concepts that underpin the practice of politics in the world today.
Characteristics of the political debates, struggles and tensions that shape the practice of politics in different international settings.
Knowledge of how to apply theory to current political and cultural developments at international level.

Skills outcomes
Analytical thinking, ability to construct coherent arguments, communication and presentation skills, research skills, self-discipline and punctuality.


Syllabus

Typical Module Programme (each unit will consist of two lectures and one seminar)
Semester 1
Week 1: What is political theory and why is it important?
Weeks 2-4: Colonialism & Post-Colonialism
Weeks 5-6, 8: Nationalism and Self-Determination
Weeks 9-11: Political Regimes: Democracy vs. Autocracy

Semester 2
Weeks 14-16: Capitalism and Crisis
Weeks 17-19: Gender
Weeks 20-22: Globalisation and International Society
Week 23: Concluding lecture

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Class tests, exams and assessment12.002.00
Lecture141.0014.00
Seminar61.006.00
Private study hours178.00
Total Contact hours22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

200 hours, including the contact hours and also hours spent on student preparation for essays, seminars, exams and lectures.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- written / oral assignments
- designated feedback sessions
- student questionnaires
- access to module tutors in class and in office hours

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay2000 words40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)40.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)1 hr 00 mins30.00
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)1 hr 00 mins30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)60.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 02/03/2018 17:22:55

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