Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC2065: Secrets, Lies and Spies

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

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

Module Aims

This module will:

-        Introduce you to theoretical and conceptual approaches to the analysis of openness and deception in politics, whilst emphasising how these perspectives emerged from particular historical contexts and problems.

-        Encourage you to apply these approaches to the analysis of contemporary real world acts of openness and deception in politics, but also to use these cases to reflexively evaluate the approaches themselves.

-     Allow you to develop your own rigorous and independent perspective on the role and implications of openness and deception in public life. 

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. Discuss, analyse and evaluate competing theoretical perspectives on openness and deception, particularly in relation to security, foreign policy and international relations.
2. Apply these perspectives to contemporary practices and debates relating to openness and deception, whilst being aware of the limitations and contingent assumptions of each perspective.
3. Use this analysis to highlight political implications, such as hidden effects or normative questions, which arise out of these contemporary practices.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Apply complex theoretical approaches to real life examples.
5. Recognise and unpick theoretical assumptions embedded in existing popular and academic analyses of contemporary issues.
Personal and Key Skills6. Provide a clear, logical and independent analysis of a given political issue. Communicate this analysis to a range of different audiences.
7. Understand assessment criteria, engage in constructive peer-evaluation and produce feedback.
8. Collaborate effectively with peers in order to present ideas and facilitate discussions.
9. Critically reflect on your own perspective, performance and contribution toward group tasks.