Postgraduate Module Descriptor


POLM157: Global Issues in European Politics

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Aims

This module familiarizes you with theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches to understand political conflict in Europe from the (empirical) perspective of comparative politics. This includes party political conflict and its dimensions as well as theoretical approaches to understand ‘post-factual’ politics and threats to the quality of democracy. The module aims at advancing your ability to apply theories to current political conflicts in a variety of European countries, to critically evaluate the usefulness of these theories, and to equip you with the presentation skills required to describe, analyse, and explain political conflicts in Europe. Apart from its focus on substantive issues, the module also seeks to introduce you to the comparative method and other empirical research designs in political science.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the major concepts and theories used in political science to understand conflicts in Europe
2. evaluate theories in the field of comparative politics based on empirical evidence
Discipline-Specific Skills3. exercise informed judgment concerning the use of empirical evidence in support of an argument in published research
4. synthesize competing theories to analyse new problems
5. critically analyse primary and secondary source material
Personal and Key Skills6. present complex arguments with clarity and concision
7. work independently and with peers to meet common research and assessment deadlines effectively
8. speak confidently in front of small and large audiences on a subject you have studied