Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The aims of this module are:

•       To provide students with the opportunity to engage in an in-depth examination of an issue in Political Systems and Comparative Politics, International Relations, or Political Philosophy for which appropriate supervision is available.
•       To provide an opportunity to build on and develop the knowledge and understanding students have gained from other modules in Politics or to explore a new area of study.
•       To allow students who do not wish to undertake a Dissertation to conduct a more limited research exercise.

Outline Of Syllabus

Students can choose to write their project from a wide variety of topics and issues for which appropriate supervision is available within the department. The choice of topic can build on an area of expertise established through other Politics modules or students can use a project to explore a subject not covered in course modules. The topic proposed for the project must be approved by the module leader and the project supervisor. The project should be conceived as an exercise in research rather than an extended essay. In choosing a topic, students should bear in mind the space (4000 words) and time available to them and avoid choosing too broad a subject. The project should have a well-defined subject and should address a clearly articulated issue or problem that gives the project purpose and direction. Students will be advised in an initial lecture how to approach the project and to go about refining of their project subject. Each student will have a project advisor.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students should have:
•       Gained an enhanced knowledge of a specific subject area in Political Systems and Comparative Politics, International Relations or Political Philosophy.
•       Deepened their understanding of this topic, partly through interpretation of the relevant literature and, ideally, by locating their work in a broader academic context.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The development of skills in planning, investigating and report writing

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The project reflects the emphasis of the module on developing knowledge of a specialist area and in writing a substantial report about it.

Other Additional Teaching Methods: There will be a general meeting at the start of the module in which students will receive overall advice and information on the module and will be asked for the general area of their topic. Videos and annotated readings will assist the student in how to structure their work and deal with issues such as finding sources, methodology, and making an argument.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The rationale for the assessment by report is that the module is designed for students to research and report on a particular topic.

General Notes

N/A