Undergraduate Modules: POL113 - Introduction to Political Analysis

Module Code

POL 113

Module Title

Introduction to Political Analysis

Level:

Level 1

Semester:

Semester 2

Credits

20 credits

Taught by:

Dr Felicity Matthews, Lecturer in Politics

Module Description:

This module provides students with an introduction to the theories, methods and approaches which shape political analysis. The module encourages students to reflect on how they interpret and define political events. This involves exploring the relationship between knowledge, its validation and the methods we use to collect information. It aims to cultivate: a sophisticated and nuanced approach to political analysis; conceptual clarity; analytical rigor; methodological awareness; interest in theory-building; and intellectual maturity and curiosity. It achieves this by focusing on the role and value of political concepts as the basic units of political debate and analysis. This includes exploring the ‘essentially contested’ nature of concepts, the distinction between ‘stretching’ and ‘travelling’ and also how concepts have evolved and emerged over time. Part of this conceptual exploration will reflect upon the history of the subject of ‘political studies’ or ‘political science’ as a self-standing discipline and will consider how different approaches to political analysis are based upon distinct ontological and epistemological positions. A research and study skills component is also included in the module. This involves an introduction to utilising esoteric search engines, writing essays, referencing source material and preparing for assessments.

Module Aims:

This module aims to provide a foundation in political analysis for students pursuing degree programmes in politics. By the end of the module students will be able to:

• Display an understanding of some of the most important concepts used in political argument and in the analysis of political phenomena;
• Demonstrate critical and analytical modes of thinking about politics and a self-conscious interrogation of the categories in which we think and act politically;
• Apply these modes of thinking to case study analysis; and,
• Demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative and transferable skills.

This module also equips students with a range of important transferrable skills, which are vital in terms of employability, including working independently and as part of a team; managing a varied workload; assimilating and synthesising multiple data sources; constructing coherent arguments; and preparing written reports and verbal presentations.

Module Schedule:

Teaching Methods:

• 11 * 1 hour lectures
• 11 * 1 hour seminars

Assessment:

• Study Skills Portfolio - 25% of mark
• Group Project - 25% of mark
• Unseen Examination - 50% of mark

Resources Available:

• Individual feedback and guidance sessions with module tutors.
• Detailed 20-30 page module handbook
• Dedicated module intranet site.
• Extensive library materials, including a wide variety of electronic and digitised resources.
• Library of relevant podcasts.

Opportunities for Further Study:

There is also the opportunity to deepen your knowledge by undertaking a supervised research project module an agreed topic arising out of work done on POL 313 Power, Leadership and Decision-Making in Times of Crisis. Students meet with their tutor individually for tailored one-to-one supervision and tuition, which will enable them to undertake research and be assessed on the basis of a 7,000 word project.

Indicative Reading:

Birch, A. (2000) The Concepts and Theories of Modern Democracy. London: Routledge.
Collier, D. and Gerring, J. (eds.) (2009) Concepts and Method in Social Science. London: Routledge.
Connolly, C. (1993) The Terms of Political Discourse. London: Robertson
Goertz, G. (2005) Social Science Concepts: A User’s Guide. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Hoffman, J. and Graham, P. (2009) An Introduction to Political Theory. London: Pearson Longman.
King, G., Schlozman, K.L. and Nie, N. (2009) The Future of Political Science. London: Routledge.
Goodwin, B. (1999) Using Political Ideas. London: John Wiley.
Heywood, A. (1999) Political Theory: An Introduction. London: Macmillan.
Leftwich, A. (2004) What is Politics? Cambridge: Polity.
MacKenzie, I. (2005) Political Concepts. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

What our Students Say:

‘Enjoyed the lectures and seminars, explained well by Felicity and I understand the concepts.’

‘I really enjoyed the course and the seminars that we had discussing the different concepts. I thought it was really interesting to discover the different opinions of those from around the country on topics like 'can terrorism ever be justified?'.

‘The lectures were excellent and the module leader was very helpful when I went to her with queries about the essay.’

‘Felicity Matthews conducted an excellent quality of seminars, which were orderly and efficient and was an effective seminar tutor, who talked to all of her students individually and when working in smaller groups.’