Entry requirementsEntry Qualifications BA degree of Upper Second class standard or above. For students whose native language is not English, the usual minimum language entry requirement is either an IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88; Cambridge Proficiency of English C or above.
Academic titleMA Ideology and Discourse Analysis
Course description
Course Description
The MA in Ideology and Discourse Analysis provides students with the specialised knowledge of theoretical approaches at the forefront of contemporary modes of political and ideological analysis, and enables students to deploy the insights discussed at a theoretical level to analyse substantive political cases.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
BRITISH POLITICAL PARTIES
COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF CENTRAL EUROPE
COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Compulsory: CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THEORY
Compulsory: RESEARCH SEMINAR IN POLITICAL THEORY AND METHODS
CONTEMPORARY THEORIES OF JUSTICE
Core: DISSERTATION - MA SCHEMES
Core: IDEOLOGY AND POLITICAL DISCOURSE
DEMOCRACY BEYOND THE NATION STATE? THE CASE OF EUROPE
DEMOCRACY, CITIZENSHIP AND CONSTITUTIONS
EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
EUROPEAN POLITICS
GLOBAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS
GLOBALISATION AND WORLD POLITICS: APPROACHES, ORIGINS, TRENDS
HUMAN RIGHTS AND POLITICAL THEORY
HUMAN RIGHTS IN POST-COMMUNIST DEMOCRACIES
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES
POLITICAL BEHAVIOUR
POLITICAL EXPLANATION
POLITICAL PRINCIPLES, HUMAN RIGHTS AND PUBLIC POLICY
POLITICAL THEORY
POLITICS IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD
RATIONAL CHOICE THEORIES OF POLITICS
RULE AND RESISTANCE: POLITICAL THEMES IN LITERATURE AND FILM
THE ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC OPINION
THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Advanced knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in political science at an appropriate level.
A2 : Understanding the main political science methods for using quantitative and qualitative evidence to support arguments.
A3 : Critical awareness of the use of evidence in political science.
A4 : Knowledge of the main research findings, and main developments and debates in one or more sub-disciplinary or area-oriented fields.
A5 : Systematic knowledge of the relevant sources of information.
A6 : Systematic knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in ideology and discourse analysis.
A7 : Systematic knowledge of philosophical foundations of social science.
Teaching Methods
A1-8 Lectures, participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, writing essays and dissertation, oral and written feedback on essays.
A1 specifically in GV958 Contemporary Political Theory and GV909.
A2 specifically in GV900 Political Explanation and GV909.
A3 specifically in GV900, GV909, GV958 and in supervision of individual dissertations.
A4 specifically in GV909, GV988 and options chosen in consultation with Scheme Director.
A6 specifically in GV988 Ideology and Political Discourse and GV909.
A7 specifically in GV909 Research Seminar in Political Theory and Method and GV958.
Assessment Methods
Taught modules assessed 50/50 by continuous assessment through written assignments and essays, and three-hour closed examinations at end of course. The Research Seminar (GV909) and GV908: Political Theory and GV988: Ideology and Political Discourse are assessed 100% by continuous assessment through written essays.
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : To question received thinking.
B2 : To develop independent thinking.
B3 : To muster evidence.
B4 : To evaluate and analyse evidence.
B5 : To reason critically.
B6 : To argue coherently and concisely.
B7 : To communicate ideas effectively in writing.
B8 : To carry out independent research.
Teaching Methods
B1-7. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance on researching and writing essays, oral and written feedback on essays, individual interviews and group sessions with Study Skills Officer.
B4 especially in GV900 Political Explanation and GV909 Research Seminar in Political Theory and Methods.
B8 especially in supervised dissertation.
Assessment Methods
B1-7. Written assignments, essays, dissertation, and written examinations.
B8 The dissertation.
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : Organize and structure an extended argument.
C2 : Use concepts correctly.
C3 : Compile systematic bibliographies.
C4 : Provide references according to accepted conventions.
C5 : Use libraries and IT to access information and scholarly resources.
C6 : Sift and synthesize complex information.
Teaching Methods
Assessment Methods
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : Clear, focused, relevant and effective expression and communication.
D2 : Access and organise information from a variety of electronic sources.
D3 : Understand the use of quantitative evidence.
D4 : To manage projects and timetables. To find, understand and organise information. To work with ideas.
D5 : Advanced knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in political economy or related fields at an appropriate level.
D6 : Positive response to feedback and criticism.
Teaching Methods
D1-5. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, written assignments and essays, dissertation.
D4 specifically in scheduling and balancing requirements for four courses taught in parallel.
D6 specifically in individual guidance on essays, oral and written feedback on essays.
Assessment Methods
D1-4. Written assignments and essays, examinations, dissertation
D6 classroom presentations, written assignments and essays.