Module description
This module introduces students to some of the central questions in political philosophy, such as: What is political authority? What, if anything, makes the exercise of coercive power legitimate? What is the value of democracy? What, if any, are legitimate political constraints on freedom of expression? What is the proper role of expertise in democratic decision making? When is civil disobedience justified? The module is designed to complement (and lay the groundwork for) the Level 5 and Level 6 political philosophy modules.
Assessment details
Summative assessment: 1 x 2-hour exam (100%)
Formative assessment: 1 x 1,500-word essay
Educational aims & objectives
- To introduce students to political philosophy.
- To engage with some of the enduring questions and controversies in political philosophy.
- To consider why these questions continue to occupy political philosophers.
- 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:
- A good understanding of some central debates in political philosophy.
- The ability to engage critically with the relevant literature.
- The ability to develop and defend arguments of their own.
Teaching pattern
One two-hour weekly lecture and one one-hour weekly seminar over ten weeks.