2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
MODL1100 Politics, Culture and Society
20 creditsClass Size: 120
Module manager: Professor Sarah Waters
Email: s.a.waters@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
What are the key debates that shape the practice of politics internationally? How can theory help 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 contexts 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: The 1968 events in international context; the global politics of sex and sexuality; Nationalism and Self-Determination; Capitalism and crisis.Objectives
- Introduce students to the core theoretical and conceptual ideas underpinning the practice of contemporary politics: social, protest, the politics of sexuality, nationalism, captialism and crisis.- Analyse critical primary and secondary texts in these areas.
- Develop comparative analytical skills, applying political theories / approaches to 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.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
LO 1. Fundamentals of selected ideas and concepts that underpin the practice of politics in the world today.
LO 2 Characteristics of the political debates, struggles and tensions that shape the practice of politics in different international settings.
LO 3 Knowledge of how to apply theory to current political and cultural developments at international level.
Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SO 1. Critical thinking: a capacity to analyse political debates in a range of socio-cultural contexts, using arguments, evidence and theories.
SO 2. Academic writing: the ability to write in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner that is supported by relevant evidence.
SO 3. Ethics and inter-cultural awareness: knowledge and understanding of how political ideas, identities and practices are shaped by differing cultural and social traditions.
SO 4. 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.
Syllabus
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lectures | 16 | 1.00 | 16.00 |
| seminars | 4 | 1.00 | 4.00 |
| Coursework Discussion Session | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Private study hours | 179.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 21.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students have the opportunity to submit an essay plan for feedback in both semesters. Students also have the opportunity to ask questions in the online essay preparation session. Structured feedback on Semester 1 essays helps to support preparation for Semester 2 essay.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | Assessed essay | 40.00 |
| Assignment | Assessed essay | 60.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
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 websiteLast updated: 06/03/2024
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