Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC3130: Controversies in American Politics

This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.

Please note that this module is only delivered on the Penryn Campus.

Module Aims

This module provides a survey of the major contemporary controversies in American politics, from constitutional reform, through polarization in public opinion, to areas of public policy. We will use theories and findings from the study of US Politics to understand and analyze each of the controversies we study. We will examine classic and contemporary work in these fields.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate knowledge of the arguments major theories of the influences on debates in the various controversies we examine in oral and written work
2. discuss the strengths and weaknesses of different theories and research in oral and written work;
3. apply major theories about US Politics to historical and contemporary issues in oral and written work
Discipline-Specific Skills4. demonstrate comprehension and the ability to use key concepts pertaining to US Politics in oral and written work;
5. synthesize and critique a variety of theories and arguments in the field in your written work;
6. demonstrate a deep understanding of the implications of new evidence for a given theory in your oral and written work;
7. demonstrate that you understand different methods of research in the field and their implications for findings in your oral and written work;
Personal and Key Skills8. work independently in spontaneous discussion and defence of arguments
9. demonstrate oral and written analytical and organizational skills in essays, presentations and discussion; and
10. write essays to a deadline.