Politics MA(SocSci)/LLB/MA
Politics 1A: Introduction to Politics POLITIC1001
- Academic Session: 2021-22
- School: School of Social and Political Sciences
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
- Typically Offered: Semester 1
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Available to Erasmus Students: No
Short Description
The course will introduce students to politics by focusing on institutional structures in the United Kingdom, with a look at concepts and issues that will include elections, political parties and organised interests. A multilevel governance approach will examine politics across Scotland and the UK, as well as explore Britain's global role in international organisations.
Timetable
Lectures: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 1-2pm.
Tutorials: As required
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
Mid-term Exam (50%)
Essay (40%)
Performance (10%)
Course Aims
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of politics by exploring basic political concepts and themes in a British context. In the process of exploring these basic concepts and themes, students will be exposed to the core components of British and Scottish politics, including political institutions and organisations - plus various forms of political participation. Students will also learn about the international organisations the UK is associated with, facilitating a better understanding of Britain's global role and the links between domestic and international politics.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
Course-specific ILOs:
Students should work to attain the following abilities before undergoing summative assessment:
(a) to identify the key institutional components of a liberal-democratic political systems, and to distinguish the primary from the secondary functions of political institutions;
(b) to isolate, and to compare, the effects individuals have on political institutions, and the effects that institutions have on individuals;
(c) to distinguish empirical and normative political arguments;
(d) to analyse political concepts and theories;
(e) to apply those political concepts and theories to 'real world' examples and case studies;
(f) to interpret quantitative evidence.
Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits
Submission of the course essay and completion of the examination. Achievement of a minimum of Grade G.