GV150-4-SP-CO:
Politics and Power
2016/17
Government
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
15
05 April 2013
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
GV151
(none)
(none)
BA L200 Politics,
BA L201 Politics (Including Year Abroad),
BA L202 Politics (Including Foundation Year),
BA L203 Politics (Including Placement Year)
GV150 is the second of a two-part module. With GV151 last term, we study some fundamental texts of the 'Western' philosophical tradition and seek to examine the assumptions underlying these texts as well as the implications they have for us today. We will explore profound themes of truth, justice, democracy, empire, what it is to live "a good life," the self, morality, the fair distribution of resources, the meanings of labour and gender, liberalism, republicanism, the meaning of mass society (particularly as it impacts the individual), and the despairing turn from optimistic anticipation of human emancipation. We will take care to locate these texts in their respective historical contexts to better understand them as political acts. That is, these authors were responding to their particular contexts and trying to effect change.
This term, we move solidly into the modern period, exploring Locke's social contract theory, and his seminal discussion of private property. Rousseau then condemns the modern period and its effects on man. Burke will take social contract theorists to task for their thin understanding of the state. Wollstonecraft introduces us to her brand of feminism and later, Mill introduces his. We discuss Marx's concerns about the effects of capitalism on democracy, and end with Nietzsche, a harbinger of the 20th century.
These texts will often unnerve and unsettle. They are easily misinterpreted and very provocative, dealing with questions that may profoundly disconcert the reader. Be very careful in what you take from these texts. Be attentive and generous in understanding what they are trying to say. Our purpose in engaging with these texts is not to canonize them; rather, it is to understand their contribution to the history of the western world – for better or for worse.
No information available.
No information available.
No additional information available.
1 x 1 hour lecture per week, 1 x 1 hour class per week
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
First Weekly Reading Response |
|
4% |
| Coursework |
Essay 1 |
|
35% |
| Coursework |
Second Weekly Reading Response |
|
4% |
| Coursework |
Third Weekly Reading Response |
|
4% |
| Coursework |
Fourth Reading Response |
|
4% |
| Coursework |
Fifth Weekly Reading Response |
|
4% |
| Coursework |
Essay 2 |
|
40% |
| Practical |
Participation |
|
5% |
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
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Laura Montanaro plus Graduate Teaching Assistants
Module Supervisor: Dr Montanaro, lmonta@essex.ac.uk
Module Administrator: Sallyann West, govquery@essex.ac.uk
Yes
Yes
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
Of 50 hours, 50 (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).
Government
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