Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC3131: The Revival of Global Authoritarianism

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Please note that this module is only delivered on the Penryn Campus.

Module Aims

This module aims to equip you with the conceptual and theoretical tools necessary for understanding the rise of authoritarian governance and how it is sustained. It will familiarise you with the latest research on authoritarianism and encourage you to develop a critical perspective in analysing existing research on authoritarianism. You will be exposed to a variety of methodological approaches and challenges in research on authoritarianism and provided with an understanding of how both historical and international factors affect the forms and practices of domestic authoritarian governance. You will be able to explore these concepts and theories in a wide range of geographical cases, from the Middle East to the post-Soviet region, from one-party states, such as China, to established democracies, like the UK and USA. The assessment also features a policy briefing, which is intended to enable you to develop your writing for a policy audience.

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 understanding of the domestic and international factors that drive and sustain authoritarian politics
2. Demonstrate a command of the main findings research on authoritarianism
3. Critically evaluate the main approaches to the study of authoritarianism
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Critically employ the categories and concepts of Comparative Politics to a range of empirical cases
5. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of existing research
6. Conduct rigorous, independent analysis using a variety of relevant sources
Personal and Key Skills7. Evidence effective writing styles that are required in the job market
8. Construct a reasoned and logical argument supported by evidence
9. Work independently and with peers to achieve goals