Politics

Political Corruption

Module code: L2046
Level 6
30 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Dissertation

On this module, you’ll explore the "dark side" of politics by analysing corruption in its various forms and contexts. You’ll develop analytical and theoretical tools to examine corruption across time and space, addressing questions such as:

• What constitutes corrupt behaviour?
• How do definitions of corruption differ across national boundaries?
• Is corruption absolute and universal, or context-dependent?
• Can corruption ever have positive effects?

You’ll study specific examples of corruption in the developed world, from systematic abuses of power by parties and politicians to minor, petty misdemeanours. This analysis will serve as a foundation for exploring potential reforms to reduce instances of political corruption in the western world.

Module learning outcomes

• Identify a topic suitable for research relating to political corruption
• Plan and carry out a research project relating to political corruption which sustains a line of argument
• Locate and evaluate a range of resources appropriate to a topic on political corruption
• Make use of constructive feedback on the development of their ideas in the implementation of a research topic related to political corruption