Module POLM808 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
POLM808: Independent Study in Politics
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
The aims of this module are: to provide students with the opportunity to delve deeply into a particular area of interest, applying appropriate research methodologies and drawing on appropriate materials; to develop critical and analytical skills necessary to explore an area of politics that differs from but also complements the content of the taught modules of the students programme; to develop goal setting and time management skills in pursuing a personal programme of research.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
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Module-Specific Skills | 1. demonstrate an ability to critically analyse arguments by reading and discussing key texts; 2. demonstrate an ability to present concisely sophisticated arguments, and to explain difficult points; and an ability to identify key aspects of a philosophical and theoretical debate. |
Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. demonstrate an ability to assimilate and critically analyse data from an appropriate range of sources; 4. demonstrate an ability to develop cogent argument; 5. demonstrate an ability to communicate complex information and ideas effectively in writing. |
Personal and Key Skills | 6. demonstrate an ability to undertake an individual research project and manage one's own time; 7. demonstrate abilities to construct and evaluate ideas, to formulate and express ideas at different levels of abstraction, and to assess and criticise the views of others. |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
This module allows students to read for a Supervised Research-Based Essay from a range of research areas in which members of the School have particular expertise. There will be at least five supervision meetings: one to initiate the research followed by meetings to give academic guidance including specific feedback on draft work.
Possible areas of study include:
- Any aspect of Politics
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 |
---|---|---|
5 | 145 | 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 | 5 hours | Supervision |
Guided independent study | 145 hours | Independent study |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
Indicative Reading List
This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.
Reading will depend on research area chosen for Supervised Research-Based Essay.