GV909-7-AU-CO:
Foundations and Methods of Political Theory

The details
2024/25
Government
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
23 April 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MA L20212 Ideology and Discourse Analysis,
MA L20224 Ideology and Discourse Analysis,
MA L202EB Ideology and Discourse Analysis,
MA L20512 Political Theory,
MPHDL20D48 Government (Ideology and Discourse Analysis),
PHD L20D48 Government (Ideology and Discourse Analysis)

Module description

This module aims to introduce students to the foundations and methods of political theory. Students will learn how to engage in systematic normative theorizing and be introduced to many of the key components of the methodology of political theory. This includes learning how to use reflective equilibrium, how to create and employ thought experiments, and how to distinguish and move between ideal and non-ideal theory.


The module also introduces a variety of perspectives on what science is, why we do it, and what we can achieve with it. In particular, the module examines the foundations of political scientific and political theoretical research, focusing on normative analytical approaches; to provide a critical overview of different philosophies of science and social science; and to consider a range of methods and research strategies for those embarking upon graduate study in political theory and analysis, broadly construed.


It is traditional to divide the study of political theory into normative and empirical domains. Normative political theorists endeavour to construct, evaluate, justify and criticize the principles and norms underlying political practices, whereas empirical political theorists are concerned to explain, understand and interpret political practices and events by constructing and testing abstract models of those practices.


In recent years, this clear division has become somewhat blurred, as normative political theorists seek to ground their research in the description of empirical phenomena, or at least to speak to matters of empirical import, while positive political theorists have become more attentive to the implicit or explicit values that structure their research. The task of this module is to sensitize students to the presuppositions underpinning different approaches to questions of description, explanation, and critique.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:



  • To introduce and evaluate a variety of perspectives on the philosophy of science;

  • To critically consider the key assumptions underlying social-scientific research;

  • To provide a critical overview of different approaches to normative political theory;

  • To introduce students to key concepts in political theory, in particular the concepts of “ideal theory” and “non-ideal theory”.


Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Have a good understanding of central debates in the philosophy of social science;

  2. Be familiar with key assumptions of mainstream social-scientific research and be able to assess these critically;

  3. Be familiar with key methodological assumptions of normative political theory; and

  4. Be in a position to develop and execute an advanced research project in this field, including a master's dissertation.

Module information

Syllabus Information


Part A: The Social Sciences and the Role of Political Theory



  • The Aim of Political Theory

  • Falsification, Programmes, and Paradigms

  • Values in the Social Sciences

  • Adaptive Preferences

  • Activist Political Theory


Part B: The Methodology of Normative Political Theory



  • Reflective Equilibrium

  • Ideal Theory and Feasibility

  • Non-Ideal Theory and Realism

  • Hypothetical Examples and Thought Experiments

  • Epistemic Injustice


Learning and teaching methods

This module will be taught in a weekly 2-hour seminar.

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Essay 1  11/11/2024  30% 
Coursework   Essay 2  16/12/2024  70% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr David Axelsen, email: d.v.axelsen@essex.ac.uk.
Dr David Axelsen
Please contact govpgquery@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
Yes
Yes
Yes

External examiner

Dr Adrian Florea
University of Glasgow
Senior Lecturer in International Relations
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 8 hours, 8 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Government

Disclaimer: The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its Module Directory is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to programmes, modules, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to modules may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery or assessment of modules and other services, to discontinue modules and other services and to merge or combine modules. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.