MODULE TITLE: POL3039 Contemporary Political & Social Theory
MODULE PROVIDER (AOU): Politics
LEVEL: HE3
SUBJECT (3 LETTERS):
POL3039
NUMBER OF CREDITS: 20
MODULE CO-ORDINATOR: Mark Olssen
MODULE AVAILABILITY:
Full Year
ASSESSMENT PATTERN
Unit(s) of Assessment
Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)
Essay (1500 - 2000 words)
20%
Essay (1500-2000 words)
20%
Exam (2 hrs)
30%
Attendance and seminar presentation
30%
PRE-REQUISITE/CO-REQUISITES
Level 2 BA Politics
MODULE OVERVIEW
Social and Political Science are dynamic disciplines characterised by theoretical and
empirical change and development. Despite this feature, many argue that the core
disciplinary values are focused around coherent theorising and detailed thinking
about the implications of theory and ‘theoretical shifts’ for constructing and making
sense of contemporary issues. This MODULE AIMS to explore approaches to social
and political science through a consideration of a range of contemporary issues and
themes in social and political theory. This will be achieved through a detailed, critical
study of either one or more political theorists.
MODULE AIMS
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This MODULE AIMS to explore and critique a range of contemporary debates, issues
and themes in social and political theory.
To produce a sound knowledge of the major thinkers and themes in relation to the
topic.
To develop and deepen the student's interest in understanding political issues in
terms of the central thinkers and principles involved.
To enable students to integrate a wide range of views from various sources and to
identify the philosophical schools to which they attach.
To enable students to produce succinct, cogent arguments aware of the assumptions
and frameworks
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will be expected to:
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Develop the ability to outline and critically assess key theoretical concepts
and debates in social and political theory and apply these to a range of
selected contemporary issues.
Develop the analytical and critical skills necessary for the application of social
and political theories to empirical examples.
Practical skills
 Form critical arguments
 Manage time effectively
 Develop research and writing skills.
Transferable skills
 Communicate persuasively and fluently in speech and writing;
 Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organization and timemanagement;
 Make appropriate use of information and communication technology.
MODULE CONTENT
 An introduction to the life, times and distinctiveness of one or more political
thinkers.
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A critical analysis of the main influences on, and the key concepts and ideas
utilized by, one or more political thinkers
 The uses and applications of these key concepts in social and political
METHODS
OF TEACHING/LEARNING
science
Lectures, seminars, independent study.
SELECTED TEXTS/JOURNALS
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Ashe, F. et al (1999) Contemporary Social and Political Theory. Buckingham:
Open University Press.
McKinnon, Catriona (2008) Issues in Political Theory. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
Bird, Colin (2006) An Introduction to Political Philosophy. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press.
Wolff, J. (2006) An introduction to political philosophy. Oxford: Oxford
University Press
Olssen, Mark (2009) Toward A Global Thin Community: Nietzsche, Foucault
and the cosmopolitan commitment. Boulder, Colarado: Paradigm Publishers.
Olssen, Mark (2009) Liberalism, Neoliberalism, Social Democracy: Thin
communitarian perspectives on political philosophy and education. New York:
Routledge.
Greiff, Pablo de and Cronin, Ciaran (eds) (2002) Global Justice and
Transnational Politics: essays on the moral and political challenges of
globalization. MIT Press, Minnesota.