Module POC2098 for 2020/1
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
POC2098: Comparative Politics
This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.
Please note that this module is only delivered on the Penryn Campus.
Module Aims
Our aim is that by the end of the module you should be able to explain, through comparative analysis, what the key determinants of regime stability and regime change are, how political regimes and institutions vary, and how their effects are mediated or constrained by other factors. You should be able to respond to particular questions about these institutions, drawing on the relevant literature. You should also be able to deal in the abstract with the issue of the relative merits of different comparative approaches and methods.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Explain the major theories of comparative politics, their strengths and weaknesses 2. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of a variety of regimes and institutions 3. Apply the theories of comparative politics to answer questions related to the functioning of regimes and institutions |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. Use key concepts in political science effectively 5. Synthesize and critically evaluate a variety of theories and arguments in the field 6. Discuss the similarities and differences in the politics of a range of countries |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task. 8. Engage in spontaneous discussion and defence of arguments 9. Eemonstrate competent written analytical and organizational skills 10. Write essays effectively, using a range of resources to support your argumentation |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Theoretical and methodological principles
- State formation
- Democratization
- Autocracies and Hybrid Regimes
- Legislatures
- Executives
- Parties
- Party Systems
- Electoral Systems
- Interest Groups
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 26.5 | 123.5 | 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 Activity | 26.5 | 11 x 1.5 hr lectures, 10 x 1 hour seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | 123.5 | Private study students are expected to read suggested texts and make notes prior to seminar sessions. They are also expected to read widely to complete their coursework assignments. More specifically, students are expected to devote at least: 60 hours to directed reading; 6 hours for preparing the formative research project outline; 20 hours on completing the essay; Around 42 hours on completing the research project preparation and take home exam. |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparative research designproject outline | 300 words | 1-3,5-6,9 | Verbal or written |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Take-home Exam | 50 | 1.5 hours (written) | 1-7, 9 | Written |
| Essay | 50 | 2500 words | 1-6, 8-10 | Written |
| 0 |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparative research project | 1.5 hours Take-home Exam (written) | 1-7, 9 | August/September re-assessment period |
| Essay | Essay (2500 words) | 1-6, 8-10 | August/September re-assessment period |
