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  1. Languages, Linguistics and Film
  2. Language Centre
  3. Graduate Diploma
  4. PMP Politics I: Ideas and Concepts

Introduction to Politics and International Relations I: Ideas and Concepts (IFP/IFJ 6017)

Module Overview

This module introduces those of you, who may not have English as their first language, to modern political ideas and to international relations. It examines general issues such as: What is politics about?  Why and how do we study Politics?  What kinds of ideas and institutions is politics concerned with?  It examines the historical development of key political concepts and how these concepts inform political debates.  Political ideas and concepts to be studied include the state, the nation, race, ideologies, citizenship and democracy.   You will also examine key political ideologies in detail. Ideologies to be studied will include Marxism, feminism, liberalism, conservatism and socialism

 

Aims

The module aims to give you an introduction to modern political ideas and concepts.  It enables you to develop your academic reading and writing, as well as your analytical argumentative skills, in preparation for success at taught postgraduate level in Politics and International Relations and other disciplines.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module you will be able to:

  • Show an understanding of the main theoretical and conceptual issues related to the study of politics;
  • Take part in debates about the main ideas and political ideologies which have informed present day politics;
  • Evaluate the claims made for the nature and legitimacy of contemporary political power.
  • Understand and critically analyse theoretical arguments;
  • Apply theoretical concepts to current debates in politics.

 

Teaching & Learning Methods

You attend a two lecture and a two hour seminar each week.  The seminar will be used to discuss topics and concepts presented in the lecture.  You will be expected to read extensively for this module, at least the core texts for the unit, but preferably the additional reading as set out on the reading list (given out at the start of the academic year).

 

Who teaches this module?

Dr Sarah Mak.

 

Assessment

  • Test (2 hours) (35%)
  • Essay (1,500 words) (35%)
  • Participation 20%
  • Oral presentation (10%)

 

Introductory Texts to Introduction to Politics and International Relations I

Heywood, Andrew. Political Theory. Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2004.

Heywood, Andrew. Political Ideologies. Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2012.

Goodwin, Barbara. Using Political Ideas. West Sussex: John Wiley and Sons, 2014..

Vincent, Andrew. Modern Political Ideologies, 3rd edition. Oxford: Blackwell, 2010.

Ball, Terence, Richard Dagger and Daniel O’Neil. Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal. Oxon: Routledge, 2013.

Heywood, Andrew. Politics, Basingstoke: Palgrave 2013.

 

NB:  Business and Film students who need to improve their written English skills are encouraged to take this module for their second subject, as it provides many opportunities to learn, practice and write English.

 

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