Module Database Search
| MODULE DESCRIPTOR | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title | |||
| Contemporary Issues In Politics | |||
| Reference | BS3145 | Version | 7 |
| Created | June 2022 | SCQF Level | SCQF 9 |
| Approved | October 2006 | SCQF Points | 15 |
| Amended | June 2022 | ECTS Points | 7.5 |
| Aims of Module | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| To introduce students to some of the key elements of political theory and analysis, with a view to enabling students to better understand issues in contemporary public affairs as they arise. | |||
| Learning Outcomes for Module | |
|---|---|
| On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to: | |
| 1 | Demonstrate a critical understanding of key concepts in political theory/science. |
| 2 | Use insights from political theory/science to appraise the political credentials of a range of contemporary developments in public affairs. |
| 3 | Critically evaluate a range of information sources on contemporary public affairs. |
| Indicative Module Content |
|---|
| The exact elements of political theory to be covered will be fluid in order to respond to contemporary developments in public affairs. However, it is envisaged that the following topics would be covered: what is politics; the study and analysis of political issues; political bias; the state and political authority; liberty and freedom; equality and social justice; tolerance; fundamentalism; utopia / dystopia; the market. |
| Module Delivery |
|---|
| This is a lecture-based course. It is supplemented by seminars in which students will be required to engage in debates around contemporary political issues, and in which students will be expected to make class presentations. |
| Indicative Student Workload | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Hours | 30 | 30 |
| Non-Contact Hours | 120 | 120 |
| Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours | N/A | N/A |
| TOTAL | 150 | 150 |
| Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body |
| ASSESSMENT PLAN | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only. | |||||
| Component 1 | |||||
| Type: | Coursework | Weighting: | 100% | Outcomes Assessed: | 1, 2, 3 |
| Description: | A written assignment based around the selection and political analysis of a specific current affairs issue. | ||||
| MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR | |
|---|---|
| Explanatory Text | |
| The overall grade for this module is based on the grade awarded for the written coursework. | |
| Module Grade | Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade: |
| A | A grade of 'A' in the written coursework. |
| B | A grade of 'B' in the written coursework. |
| C | A grade of 'C' in the written coursework. |
| D | A grade of 'D' in the written coursework. |
| E | A grade of 'E' in the written coursework. |
| F | A grade of 'F' in the written coursework. |
| NS | Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination |
| Module Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites for Module | None |
| Corequisites for module | None |
| Precluded Modules | None |
| INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY | |
|---|---|
| 1 | HALPERIN, S. and HEATH, O., 2012. Political research: methods and practical skills. Oxford: Oxford University Press. |
| 2 | HEYWOOD, A., 2015. Key concepts in politics and international relations (2nd Ed.) London: Palgrave. |
| 3 | HEYWOOD, A., 2015. Political theory: an introduction (4th Ed.) London: Palgrave. |
| 4 | HOFFMAN, J. and GRAHAM, P., 2015. Introduction to political theory (3rd Ed.). Abingdon: Routledge. |
| 5 | LEFTWICH, A., 2004. What is politics? The activity and its study. Cambridge: Polity Press. |
| 6 | McKINNON, C., 2015. Issues in political theory (3rd Ed.) Oxford: Oxford university Press. |