Aims

POL1045 Becoming a Political Analyst provides students with an essential foundation in critical thinking, evidence evaluation and argument construction. The module will offer applied opportunities to critically examine language and rhetoric, reasoned argument and standards of proof. Students will work with real-life examples of speech, media reports and academic writing to identify arguments, assess the quality of evidence presented, and interpret the nature and quality of information. The module will enable students to assess critically the quality of data, evidence and analyses produced by others, and will enable students to become independent researchers and effectively present the findings of their own research.

Outline Of Syllabus

POL1045 Becoming a Political Analyst will engage widely with essential critical thinking skills such as:
•       Analysis of language and rhetoric
•       Argument identification and reconstruction
•       Assessing beliefs and bias
•       Systems of reasoning: induction and deduction
•       Recognising the use of irony and logical fallacies

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures will provide students with an introduction to the foundations of critical thinking, presenting topics such as:
•       Analysis of language and rhetoric
•       Argument identification and reconstruction
•       Assessing beliefs and bias
•       Systems of reasoning: induction and deduction
•       Recognising the use of irony and logical fallacies
This content will provide the basis for self-directed study, small group teaching and assessments.
Small group teaching provides an environment in which students can explore and deepen their understanding of the issues raised in the lecture material and discuss essential readings relevant to the module. Small group teaching also provides the context in which students will develop many of the skills outcomes associated with this module.


Structured, guided learning activities will allow students to check their understanding of the topics covered in lectures and small group teaching, foster a deeper understanding and reflection, whilst simultaneously encouraging independent learning and effective time management.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The professional skills assessments foster engagement with the module through the duration of the semester and provide students with the necessary opportunities for skills acquisition, thereby enabling students to successfully continue their university studies.

The written exercises provide students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, critical thinking and analytical skills through the process of evaluation and interpretation of real-life examples of speech, media reports and academic writing.