GV978-7-AU-CO:
Ideology and Political Discourse

The details
2024/25
Government
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
16 October 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,
MPHDL20D48 Government (Ideology and Discourse Analysis),
PHD L20D48 Government (Ideology and Discourse Analysis)

Module description

This module introduces, develops, and critically engages key strands of poststructuralist discourse theory, including post-marxism, structural linguistics, deconstruction, and psychoanalytic theory. In particular, it clarifies key theoretical categories by examining their associated conceptual frameworks and presuppositions, by probing their value for political analysis and ideological critique, and by exploring their usefulness in relation to selected case illustrations. The module also engages with a set of contemporary debates in political and social theory, in order to deepen our grasp of the role that the categories of discourse and ideology can play.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:



  • To introduce, develop, and critically engage key strands of poststructuralist discourse theory, including post-marxism, structural linguistics, deconstruction, and psychoanalytic theory. In particular, it clarifies key theoretical categories by examining their associated conceptual frameworks and presuppositions, by probing their value for political analysis and ideological critique, and by exploring their usefulness in relation to selected case illustrations.

  • To engage with a set of contemporary debates in political and social theory, in order to better probe and grasp the role that the categories of discourse and ideology can play in our understanding of the contemporary world.

Module learning outcomes

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



  1. Have a good understanding of political discourse theory, including an appreciation
    of how approaches to ideology and discourse analysis can vary.

  2. Have an appreciation of how the assumptions, principles, and categories of political
    discourse theory relate to broader debates in political theory and analysis.

  3. Have the ability to engage critically with the key texts and concepts discussed in the
    module.

  4. Have the capacity to initiate independent research from a discourse theory
    perspective.

Module information

Students will also be expected to make short class presentations, but these are not formally assessed. The class presentations are typically based on the seminar readings assigned to specific weeks. Presenters will act as discussants, pinpointing issues that are of special interest and raising questions for discussion.

Learning and teaching methods

The module will be delivered via:

2 hour weekly 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  16/12/2024  40% 
Coursework   Essay 2  13/01/2025  60% 

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
Prof Jason Glynos, email: ljglyn@essex.ac.uk.
Professor Jason Glynos
Please contact govpgquery@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
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

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