Module POL1029 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
POL1029: Introduction to Comparative Politics
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
In this module we aim to:
• introduce you to the key concepts in the study of comparative politics;
• provide you with some of the analytical tools necessary to evaluate them;
• and show you how these concepts and theories relate to empirical cases around the world.
We also aim to provide a supportive learning environment that fosters you academic and personal development.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate understanding of core concepts in relation to political regimes; 2. Demonstrate understanding of basic theoretical approaches to analyse political transitions and gain knowledge about core debates around them; 3. Demonstrate empirical knowledge of regimes and governance in different regions; |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. Learn to critically analyse primary and secondary political source material; 5. Understand and apply key political theories and models; |
| Personal and Key Skills | 6. Develop critical thinking skills, particularly in relation to normative and conceptual arguments; 7. Communicate effectively in speech and writing; 8. Research & critically evaluate information; 9. work independently, within a limited time frame, to complete a specified task. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation (Individual or group) | 10 minutes | 1-9 | Oral and Written |
| Essay outline | 300 words | 1-9 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Exam | 50 | 2 hours | 1-9 | Written |
| Essay | 50 | 2,000 words | 1-9 | Written |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Exam | Exam (2 hours) | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
| Essay | Essay (2000 words) | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
