2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PIED1600 Freedom, Power and Democracy: An Introduction to Political Ideas

20 creditsClass Size: 320

Module manager: Dr Derek Edyvane
Email: D.J.Edyvane@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

Do you believe in democracy, freedom, equality and rights? What do these ideas mean? Why do you believe in them?Are they realised in practice?How does power really operate in our society?What use are political ideas?If you have ever asked yourself these questions, and want to be able to debate them more intelligently, then this is the module for you. You don't have to have studied politics before. If you have, then it will give you the opportunity to deepen the knowledge you have already acquired. This module fits well with any other first year elective in politics to give you a good grasp of debates about politics and political ideas. It provides a solid foundation for further study in politics and social science.For further information see the School of Politics and International Studies website. If you cannot find the answer to your question then email M.A.Ramsay@leeds.ac.uk

Objectives

This module introduces basic concepts in the study of politics, the modes of reasoning it employs and the central debates which constitute the discipline. Its objective is to enable greater understanding and critical evaluation of political processes, policies and institutions. The module is intended to appeal to both politics and non-politics students, to provide a tool box of transferable skills, concepts and explanatory debates which would equip students for subsequent study and for practical activity. Upon completion, students will have increased their understanding and knowledge of political ideas, and developed skills in argumentation, conceptual analysis, co-operative working, oral and written communication, the construction of presentations and self-evaluation.

Syllabus

This module begins with an analysis of contemporary liberal democratic structures, and extracts from them their underlying assumptions. It then concentrates on the normative concept of human nature, tracing its political implications, first in liberal values, institutions and policies (weeks 2, 3 & 4), then in democratic values, institutions and policies (weeks 5,6, & 7). Finally, it proceeds to explore the various assumptions regarding power employed in liberal and democratic thought (weeks 8,9 & 10), concluding with a review of the role played by conceptions of human nature in existing political arrangements and in questions surrounding the legitimisation of power (week 11).

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Tutorial	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			178.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Tutorial presentations and participation

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Presentation	2 tutorial presentations	40.00
Essay	1 x 2,000 words	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 website

Last updated: 27/03/2009

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