SV-435 Social and Political Theory
- ECTS Credits:
- 5
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Course Leader:
- Amanda Margaret Machin
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- 1 term
Teaching language
EnglishCourse contents
The aim of the course is to provide advanced knowledge about some of the defining ideas and central concepts of a selection of modern social and political theorists. We read a carefully curated list of works by major theorists of social and political life, with the aim of understanding such topics as power, domination, hierarchy, justice, and the state through the lens of exceptionally influential theorists of society and politics. One of the class’s key goals is to enable students to draw on some key ideas and concepts in social and political theory in their own writing and research, including their Master’s thesis.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the students should be able to:
- understand the central ideas and concepts of a selection of key social and political theorists
- demonstrate a deeper understanding of ongoing debates in social and political theory
- assess strengths and weaknesses of a selection of ideas presented by major social and political theorists
- draw on the reviewed theorists in a written Master’s dissertation
Examination requirements
Approved mandatory assignment, further information will be given in Canvas at the start of the semester.
Teaching methods
Lectures and seminars. Information is posted on Canvas. Expected work volume is approximately 140 hours.
Evaluation
The course lecturer decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.
Assessment methods and criteria
Take-home exam, three days (2,000 words), graded A-F. Further information will be provided through Canvas