Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3172: Political Participation

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Aims

In many of the longest-established democracies, voter turnout and party membership are in decline, particularly among the young. Many people distrust and disdain politicians and the political process in general. With a focus on seeking explanations for such current problems of representative democracy, the module provides an introduction to the international literature on political participation. Among other things, it explores the significance of political knowledge, generational differences in political participation, the motives for ‘extreme’ forms of political participation such as revolution and revolt, and the extent to which new forms of political participation may have taken the place of the old.

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. List, describe and demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts associated with political participation
2. Identify appropriate empirical evidence that can be used to test claims about political participation Made by theorists, politicians and political commentators
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Identify and discuss the major political concepts and deploy them in appropriate circumstances.
4. Engage in sympathetic interpretation and reasoned criticism of theories
5. List, describe and evaluate different interpretations in the light of appropriate evidence
6. Use logic and reasoning to evaluate arguments
7. Apply abstract theoretical ideas and concepts to actual events and outcomes
8. Construct well-structured rigorous arguments based on logical deduction
Personal and Key Skills9. The ability to study independently and in groups deliver presentations to peers, communicate Effectively in speech and writing
10. communicate orally and appropriately use ICT
11. research & critically valuate information and apply techniques and theories in appropriate contexts
12. design and run presentations and demonstrate reliability and commitment to the ongoing process of class discussion