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MRes Politics
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Objectives
To develop a systematic knowledge and understanding of the conceptual foundations of the discipline of political science; To promote the critical use of evidence, and the effective application of quantitative methods of political analysis; To develop a capacity for independent study and research, including a critical awareness of research design; To provide the opportunity, through a range of options, to study sub-disciplinary and/or area-oriented fields in depth; To develop a capacity to make coherent and reflective argument, and to present and communicate ideas effectively; To equip students with a comprehensive knowledge of research designs; To endow students with advanced skills in academic essay writing; To supply students with an excellent working knowledge on how to get published in respected journals; To enhance the analytical and evaluative skills required for personal and professional development, and for successful employment or further study.
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Entry requirements
Entry 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.
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Academic title
MRes Politics
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Course description
Course Description
MRes Politics enables students to take taught modules in a combination of options, followed by an intensive period of independent research.
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 of the main quantitative methods used in political analysis.
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.
Teaching Methods
A1-5 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, GV901: Advanced Theories and Methods in Political Research and optional course.
A2 specifically in GV900 Political Explanation and GV914: Research Design.
A3 specifically in GV900, GV914, GV958 and in supervision of individual dissertations
A4 specifically in options chosen in consultation with Scheme Director and GV901: Advanced Theories and Methods in Political Research.
A5 specifically in independent learning and GV914: Research Design.
Assessment Methods
Taught modules assessed 50/50 by continuous assessment through written assignments and essays, and three-hour closed examinations at end of the modules.
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.
Assessment Methods
B1-7. Written assignments and essays, 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
C1-6. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance for essays, individual supervision of dissertations, oral and written feedback on class presentations and essays.
C5 specifically in induction sessions for library use.
Assessment Methods
C1-6. Written assignments and essays, closed examinations, supervised dissertation.
C1 especially in dissertation.
C3-6 specifically in essays and dissertation.
C2 essays, examinations, and dissertation.
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 : Apply statistical methods.
D4 : To manage projects and timetables. To find, understand and organise information. To work with ideas.
D6 : Positive response to feedback and criticism.
Teaching Methods
D1-5. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, written assignments and essays, dissertation.
D3 specifically in GV900 Political Explanation and GV914: Research Design.
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.
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