Module overview
This module examines some of the concrete political challenges of our time through the use of key texts chosen by staff members who work in the relevant fields. We will spend two weeks on each text, with two lectures giving a precis of the main arguments and raising some key points for critical discussion.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Critically examine contemporary political challenges
- Engage in critical discussion of theoretical and empirical political literature
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Think and write independently on political topics
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Summarise and critically examine key texts on contemporary political issues
Syllabus
The content of the module will be shaped by current political events and staff availability in any given year. An indicative list of topics includes:
Environmental crises and the politics of the Anthropocene
The role of China in today's political world
Global security concerns
The politics of pandemics
Citizenship and migration
Populism
Brexit
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
This module will be taught using the following methods:
- Two weekly lectures of 1 hour each
- A weekly discussion board in which students engage with questions provided in the lectures
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Online discussion forums | 24 |
| Independent Study | 102 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Assessment 1: Discussion board (40%) Staff will post 3-4 discussion questions each Monday. Students have until Wednesday of the same week to post a 250 word response to one of the questions, and from Wednesday to Sunday to write two replies to other students’ responses. This assignment uses a 5 point per week accumulation system.
Assessment 2: 500 word essay plan (10%) Students will submit a short outline of their intended review essay.
Assessment 3: 2000 word review essay (50%) Students will submit an extended review of one (or in some cases two) of the books covered on the module.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Research essay | 50% |
| Research essay | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Research essay | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Research essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External