Studying at York
What is Politics? - POL00008C
- Department: Politics and International Relations
- Credit value: 30 credits
- Credit level: C
- Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
- To introduce the key theories, concepts and methods used in Political Science and International Relations;
- To develop understanding of the concept of political power and the different ways in which it is conceptualised, and measured, in institutional organisation and social contexts;
- To develop generic research and communication skills, including gathering and interpreting data, arriving at appropriate and justified conclusions, leading and collaborating with others, and communicating in ways accessible to academic and lay audiences.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the main assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses of key theories. Alongside a critical awareness of the concepts and methods used within Political Science and International Relations;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of political power and the different ways in which it is conceptualised and measured in institutional, organisation and social contexts;
- Demonstrate the acquisition of basic research and communication skills, including selecting and justifying the use of appropriate theories and concepts, gathering and interpreting data, arriving at appropriate and justified conclusions, leading and collaborating with others, and communicating in ways accessible to academic and lay audiences.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 40 |
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 40 |
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
Module feedback
Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor?s feedback and guidance hours.
Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than 20 working days after submission; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor?s regular feedback and guidance hours.
Indicative reading
Martin J. Smith (2009) Power and the state (Basingstoke: Palgrave).
Andrew Heywood (2013) Politics (Basingstoke: Palgrave).
Adrian Leftwich (2004) What is Politics? (Cambridge: Polity).
Katherine Smits (2016) Applying Political Theory: Issues and Debates (2nd ed, Basingstoke: Palgrave).