Theorising Politics (PO32005)
Module Convenor: TBC
Credit Rating: 30 SCQF credits
Level: Level 3 core module
Module Content
The module focuses on normative debates within contemporary political theory, which means that we will be exploring arguments about the way the world ought to be structured. The module will be divided into two parts:
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Part I. Within borders: justice, community and the nation-state
In this part of the module, we will explore the application of political theory to issues that arise within the context of the nation-state. Two themes in particular will be explored. The first is the issue of justice, in the Liberal tradition as exemplified by both the welfare and libertarian Liberal traditions and secondly communitarian and nationalist notions of self-government and justice.
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Part II. Beyond borders: justice, community and the world
In this part of the module, we reflect on the application of political theory to issues that arise in the context of international politics. We explore whether our traditional ways of understanding justice and community should be revised, especially in the light of globalisation and the various criticisms levelled against nationalism. In the final few weeks our discussion takes a more practical orientation, as we assess the implications of international political theory for such contentious topics as the European Union and the use of military force in international affairs.
Module Aims
The module will encourage students to reflect on the nature of political argument and advocacy, particularly as it is conducted within contemporary political theory. We aim to relate these theoretical debates to other Level 3 and Level 4 modules and to the wider world of contemporary politics. This is a compulsory core course for all Honours students at level three and any Ordinary degree students who wish to transfer to Honours.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
- Students will understand and appraise important debates in contemporary political theory.
Skills
- They will be able to present and analyse, in both verbal and written form, the main features of these debates, showing knowledge of the critical literature.
Other attributes
- Students will be able to assess the relevance of political theory to questions of political practice and to the discipline of political science.
Teaching
There will be one one-hour lecture per week, and one one-hour tutorial per week.
Indicative Reading
Swift, A. Political Philosophy: A Beginners' Guide for Students and Politicians (Cambridge: Polity, 2001)
Kymlicka, W. Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Introduction, Second Edition (Oxford: OUP, 2002)
Brown, C. Sovereignty, Rights and Justice: International Political Theory Today (Cambridge: Polity, 2002)
Rawls, J. A Theory of Justice, revised edition (Oxford: OUP, 2000)
Assessment
The assessed components on this module are:
- Two essays (each contributing 50% of total mark)
Note: there is no examination for this module.
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