Postgraduate Module Descriptor

POLM803: Sources in Modernity and Post-Modernity

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

Module Aims

This module is the main core course for the MA programmes in Political Theory (History of Political Thought, and Social and Political Thought). It is also open to other students on related areas of study. Part of it is run in conjunction with the Political Theory Reading Group in Semester 1. The latter is a postgraduate and faculty research seminar series in the Politics Department. Participation in the Reading Group is meant to introduce students to contemporary debates and approaches. Normal classes will introduce students to the formation of modern political and social thought, examining some of the main themes characterizing both modern and post-modern debates. The module is intended to develop your ability to critically reflect about the nature and scope of political and social thought

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 Skills	1. Demonstrate substantive knowledge of the thinkers and topics studied. Ability to reconstruct the socio-historical and intellectual contexts of debates in political theory. 2. Analyze concepts and texts critically. 3. Understand the role that various authors and debates have played in shaping modern political and social thought, and more generally of the character of modern and post-modern thought.
Discipline-Specific Skills	4. Critically evaluate the arguments studied for coherence, plausibility and relevance. 5. Show how argument impacts on practice and the ways in which philosophical argument is transformed both through time and through deployment in political action.
Personal and Key Skills	6. Grasp and present complex arguments with clarity and concision 7. Communicate effectively in speech and writing, work independently and with peers to achieve goals

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

The module explores some of the main themes in modern and post-modern political thought from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Topics selected may vary from year to year. Main debates covered may comprise several of the following themes: Liberty; Toleration; State and Civil Society; Capitalism and the Market; Social Contract theories; the idea of Enlightenment; Utility and Pleasure; Post-modernity. Topics for the Reading Group vary from year to year, comprising a variety of texts and approaches in political thought.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
22	278	0

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	22 hours	Weekly meetings (2-3 hours per week), comprising both substantive classes, and preparation for and participation in the Reading Group meetings.
Guided independent study	278 hours	Independent study

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).