MA Political Science - Philosophy and Political Theory / Course details

This course aims to provide students with the theoretical grounding in political economy, which they can employ in any particular pathway they will pursue in the MA in Political Economy programme. It introduces students to some of the central classical and contemporary traditions within political economy, enabling them to understand and evaluate the arguments of the major theorists in those traditions. The course will also enable students to critically analyse and employ central concepts in political economy. 

NONE  (a social science background with undergraduate-level knowledge of political science and/or political economy is strongly recommended. Those without background knowledge in this area will find the course challenging).

This course aims to provide students with the theoretical grounding in political economy which they can apply in whichever particular pathway of study they will pursue in the MA in Political Economy programme. It will introduce students to some of the central classical and contemporary traditions within political economy and will enable students to understand and evaluate the arguments of the major theorists in those traditions. It will also enable students to critically analyse and apply central concepts in political economy to specific issues.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• understand and evaluate the central claims and arguments by different theorists and traditions in political economy;
• articulate the differences between these theorists and traditions;
• analyse and employ some of the central concepts of political economy.
• the ability to analyse the argument of key primary texts;
• the ability to formulate their own informed views about the traditions and texts studied;
• the ability to write a cogent and well-argued essay on a topic taken from the course unit;

Teaching  and learning will happen via weekly one-hour recorded lectures (watch at home in advance of workshop); weekly two-hour interactive workshops; and independent study (reading and research).

Learning log (1,750 words) = 40%

Essay (2,750 words) = 60%                   4,500 words total 
 

Timetable