4AANB006 Political Philosophy I
Credit value: 15
Module Tutor: Dr Sarah Fine
Assessment:
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Summative assessment : one two-hour exam in May/June (100%).
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Formative assessment: two x 1,000 word essays.
Teaching pattern: one one-hour lecture and one one-hour tutorial per week for ten weeks.
Availability: view module availability for current/next academic year
Pre-requisites: none
This module introduces students to some of the central debates in political philosophy, focusing on five key concepts: the state, democracy, liberty, justice, and equality. Under which conditions, if any, should we submit to political authority? What, if anything, makes the exercise of coercive power legitimate? What is the value of democracy? What is the value of equality? What kind of liberty should a just society aim to protect?
Further information
Module aims
To introduce students to political philosophy, focusing on five key concepts: the state, democracy, liberty, justice, and equality.
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To engage with some of the enduring questions and controversies in political philosophy.
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To consider why these questions continue to occupy political philosophers.
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To read texts carefully, closely, and critically.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, the students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practical skills appropriate to a Level 4 module and in particular will be able to demonstrate:
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A good understanding of some central debates in political philosophy.
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The ability to engage critically with the relevant literature.
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The ability to develop and defend arguments of their own.
Past syllabi