Power and Democracy
| Module title | Power and Democracy |
|---|---|
| Module code | POL1019 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Simon Townsend (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 360 |
|---|
Module description
Democracy means ‘rule by the people’. But who are the people? Who should be included as part of the demos? How can the people rule over themselves? Can they limit their own power? This module examines the idea of democracy and the meaning and nature of a range of democratic practices and institutions. It will consider the conditions under which power is exercised within a democratic regime. By surveying some influential texts in democratic theory, the module will provide foundational training in contemporary political theory for students of Politics and International Relations.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module will introduce you to some key conceptual and normative debates in democratic theory. It aims to make you aware of the nature, limitations and possible applications of a range of different perspectives, conceptual approaches, and interpretations in democratic theory. For students interested in pursuing Politics and/or International Relations as a field of study, this is a useful introduction to core concepts in democratic theory.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. understand the nature of democratic politics;
- 2. evaluate political phenomena in terms of normative criteria of democratic theory;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. assess the insightfulness of different interpretations of political texts and phenomena;
- 4. assimilate and analyse a range of sources in political theory;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. develop critical thinking skills, particularly in relation to normative and conceptual arguments;
- 6. reflect on your place in society and your power to shape it.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Hatred of Democracy and the Democratic ideal;
- Elitism and Populism;
- Representation and Participation;
- Deliberation and Dissent;
- Citizenship and Difference.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 122 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 18 | 12 x 1.5 hour lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 10 | 10 x 1 hour tutorials |
| Guided Independent study | 40 | Reading and preparation for tutorials |
| Guided Independent study | 82 | Preparation and completion of assessment tasks |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Plan | 250 words | 1-6 | Written comments |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 40 | 1000 words | 1-6 | Written comments |
| Exam | 60 | 1 hour | 1-6 | Written comments |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (1000 words) | 1-6 | August/September reassessment period |
| Exam | Exam (one hour) | 1-6 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Michael Walzer (1981) ‘Philosophy and Democracy’, Political Theory 9(3): 379-399.
Joseph Schumpeter (1943) Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy. London: Allen & Unwin, ch.20-22.
Margaret Canovan (1999) ‘Trust the People! Populism and the two Faces of Democracy’, Political Studies47: 2-16.
Carol Pateman (1970) Participation and Democratic Theory. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, ch.2.
Michael Saward (2014) ‘Shape-shifting representation’, American Political Science Review 108(4): 723-736.
Bruce Ackerman & James Fishkin (2002) ‘Deliberation Day’, The Journal of Political Philosophy10(2): 129-152.
Sheldon Wolin (1994) ‘Fugitive Democracy’, Constellations1(1): 11-25.
David Miller (1999) ‘Democracy’s Domain’, Philosophy and Public Affairs 37(3): 201-228.
Iris Marion Young (1989) ‘Polity and Group Difference: A Critique of the Ideal of Universal Citizenship’, Ethics99: 250-74.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/02/2005 |
| Last revision date | 24/01/2022 |
