Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL1019: Power and Democracy

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

This module will introduce you to some key conceptual and normative debates in democratic theory. It aims to make you aware of the nature, limitations and possible applications of a range of different perspectives, conceptual approaches, and interpretations in democratic theory. For students interested in pursuing Politics and/or International Relations as a field of study, this is a useful introduction to core concepts in democratic theory.

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. understand the nature of democratic politics;
2. evaluate political phenomena in terms of normative criteria of democratic theory;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. assess the insightfulness of different interpretations of political texts and phenomena;
4. assimilate and analyse a range of sources in political theory;
Personal and Key Skills5. develop critical thinking skills, particularly in relation to normative and conceptual arguments;
6. reflect on your place in society and your power to shape it.

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:

  • Hatred of Democracy and the Democratic ideal;
  • Elitism and Populism;
  • Representation and Participation;
  • Deliberation and Dissent;
  • Citizenship and Difference.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
281220

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity1812 x 1.5 hour lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity1010 x 1 hour tutorials
Guided Independent study40Reading and preparation for tutorials
Guided Independent study82Preparation and completion of assessment tasks

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/