2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PIED3615 Gramsci and the Theory of Modern Politics

20 creditsClass Size: 45

Module manager: Dr John Schwarzmantel
Email: J.J.Schwarzmantel@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

The Italian theorist Gramsci was one of the most important Marxist thinkers of the 20th century, and his work has been widely influential in the field of social science, and beyond. This module covers the thought of Gramsci, in the context of his life and times, with particular reference to his Prison Notebooks. The aim is to study ideas of nation and nationalism, state, civil society, Fascism and authoritarianism, the role of intellectuals, ideas of 'hegemony', ideology, culture, and revolutionary change. The module seeks to analyse Gramsci's ideas in the context of present-day debates about democratic transformation, political change, and the role of political parties. It also seeks to assess his influence and relevance not just in Italy, but in a global context, and to arrive at an understanding of the topics considered in his work. Consideration is also given to Gramsci's reading of Machiavelli and his ideas of 'the new Prince'.For further information see the School of Politics and International Studies website. If you cannot find the answer to your question then email J.J.Schwarzmantel@leeds.ac.uk

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the development of Marxist theory in the 20th century, and its relevance to the study of contemporary politics, and to the analysis of modern liberal-democratic societies.
- Exhibit a thorough knowledge of the thought of Gramsci, as developed in his Prison Notebooks, and situate his ideas in the context of European politics and society in the period after the Russian Revolution.
- Demonstrate the ability to debate key concepts of political analysis, such as the nature of nationalism, the role of intellectuals in social change, strategies for change in complex societies, the nature of Fascist and authoritarian regimes, and the relations of politics and culture.
- Critically appraise problems in the history of ideas, and exhibit knowledge of fundamental debates concerning the nature and role of the state and its relationship to civil society, and in that way deepen their knowledge of political theory.
- Critically appraise and develop contemporary debates about political change and democratic and social transformation, and the role of political parties in such processes.
- Apply skills of historical and political analysis in researching the above topics through essay and examination preparation.

Syllabus

The work of Antonio Gramsci has been widely influential in the field of social science, and beyond. This module covers the thoughts of Gramsci, in the context of his life and times, with particular reference to his Prison Notebooks. The aim is to study ideas of nation and nationalism, state, civil society, Fascism and authoritarianism, the role of intellectuals, ideas of 'hegemony', ideology, culture, and revolutionary change. The module focuses on the development of Marxist theory and its relevance to contemporary liberal-democratic societies. It seeks to analyse Gramsci's ideas in the context of present-day debates about democratic transformation, political change, and the role of political parties.

Teaching methods

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

Private study

3 hours reading per lecture: 33 hours;
6 hours reading per seminar: 66 hours;
Preparation of class and assessed essays: 79 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

One non-assessed essay of 2,500 to 3,500 words.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 3,000 words	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

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: 03/04/2009

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