Postgraduate Module Descriptor


POLM057: Understanding and Interpretation in Political Thought

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

Module Aims

The main aim of this module is to expose you to a variety of approaches and methodological positions in the history of political and philosophical thought. It also aims familiarise you with some of the key texts and debates on the theory and nature of interpretation.

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 knowledge of the main methodological debates on questions of interpretation and historical reconstruction of ideas.
2. demonstrate an ability to critically analyse arguments by reading and discussing key texts in seminars and essays;
3. demonstrate an ability to construct sophisticated arguments in oral presentations and written work;
Discipline-Specific Skills4. analyse political arguments;
5. criticise texts in political thought;
6. introduce discussions about the nature of political thought;
7. write well-argued essays and question received ideas about politics;
Personal and Key Skills8. demonstrate abilities to construct and evaluate ideas;
9. formulate and express ideas at different levels of abstraction; and
10. assess and criticise the views of others.