Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3205: Civic Engagement

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.

Module Aims

The examine the changing nature, and extent, of political and civic participation in contemporary society

To introduce students to the extent of, and reasons behind, disenchantment with formal politics and political institutions;

To examine alternative and newer forms of civic and political participation including democratic innovations and non-traditional forms of political action;

To encourage students to engage with theories which address the motivations behind people’s voluntary contribution to the collective public good and to help develop students’ abilities to evaluate these theories on the basis of empirical evidence;

To develop students’ knowledge of different approaches and methods for enhancing civic participation used by governments and NGOs;

To help students see things from the perspective of a public or non-profit body through collaborative working, and to equip students with report writing skills similar to those used in a policy or practice setting.

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 detailed and comprehensive knowledge of forms of, and recent trends in, civic engagement, including political participation
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key factors affecting and motivating civic engagement, including political participation
3. Critically assess competing explanations for political disaffection
4. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives relating to prosocial behaviour
5. Show appreciation of the practical challenges in enhancing civic participation, and demonstrate creativity in devising methods for achieving it
Discipline-Specific Skills6. Translate insights from theory and research into viable, practical policy interventions
7. Evaluate and distil theory and evidence to arrive at original conclusions supported by relevant arguments
Personal and Key Skills8. Work independently and to manage time efficiently
9. Communicate complex ideas and concepts coherently, both verbally and in writing
10. Interact effectively and proactively within a team/ learning group, to share information and ideas, and to manage conflict
11. Produce an implementation strategy with real world value to a practice or policy setting