Politics

Explanatory Concepts in Political Science

Module code: M1038
Level 4
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

In this module, you gain a firm understanding of some of the basic theories of the state including majoritarian and consensus democracy, pluralism, elite theory, Marxism and public choice theory.

The module applies the theories to British politics in order to gain a better understanding of particular political interests for example: the constitutions, political parties, voting, interest groups and globalisation.

The module develops a dialogue, which confronts established theories with the changing reality of British politics.

Module learning outcomes

• Identify the key explanatory concepts in Political Science
• Explain a range of explanatory concepts in Political Science
• Use explanatory concepts in Political Science to analyse aspects of the British political system
• Construct a written argument supported with evidence