Course description
Course Description
The MA in European Politics provides an understanding of the major themes of western European political development, both domestic and international. The emphasis is on comparative research with a stress on conceptual and methodological tools.
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
CONTEMPORARY THEORIES OF JUSTICE
Core: DISSERTATION - MA SCHEMES
Core: EUROPEAN POLITICS
Core: POLITICAL EXPLANATION
DEMOCRACY BEYOND THE NATION STATE? THE CASE OF EUROPE
DEMOCRACY, CITIZENSHIP AND CONSTITUTIONS
EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
GLOBAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS
GLOBALISATION AND WORLD POLITICS: APPROACHES, ORIGINS, TRENDS
HUMAN RIGHTS AND POLITICAL THEORY
HUMAN RIGHTS IN POST-COMMUNIST DEMOCRACIES
IDEOLOGY AND POLITICAL DISCOURSE
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES
POLITICAL BEHAVIOUR
POLITICAL PRINCIPLES, HUMAN RIGHTS AND PUBLIC POLICY
POLITICAL THEORY
POLITICS IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD
RATIONAL CHOICE THEORIES OF POLITICS
RESEARCH SEMINAR IN POLITICAL THEORY AND METHODS
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 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 European politics and governance.
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.
A2 specifically in GV900 Political Explanation.
A3 specifically in GV900, GV958, GV951 and in supervision of individual dissertations.
A4 specifically in GV951 and option chosen in consultation with Scheme Director.
A5 specifically in independent learning.
Assessment Methods
Taught modules assessed 50/50 by continuous assessment through written assignments and essays, and three-hour closed examinations at end of course.
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 communicate ideas effectively in writing.
B7 : To carry out independent research.
Teaching Methods
B1-7. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, analysis of relevant texts, individual guidance on researching and writing essays, oral and written feedback on essays, individual interviews and/or group sessions with Study Skills Officer.
B4 especially in GV900 Political Explanation.
B8 especially in supervised dissertation.
Assessment Methods
B1-7. Written assignments and essays, written examinations.
B8. 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.
C4 specifically through written guidance, tailored university websites.
C5 specifically in induction sessions for library use and website guides in GV951 course programme.
Assessment Methods
C1-6. Written assignments and essays, closed examinations, supervised dissertation.
C1 especially in dissertation.
C2 in essays, examinations, and dissertation.
C3-6 specifically in essays 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 : Understand the use of quantitative evidence.
D4 : Students will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the development of economic integration in Europe.
D5 : 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.
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.
