Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC3085: Theories of the Good Life: From the Agora to the American Dream

This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 academic year.

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

Module Aims

In this module you will learn to think critically about one of the key political conundrums which has exercised theorists over two millennia and more. You will learn about key theorists contextualised by the political setting in which they were writing. You will be able to critically analyse and apply their concepts to contemporary political issues. In this module you will be encouraged to develop critical analysis to understand and interpret key political theories on the Good Life, and develop skills at applying these theories to contemporary real world issues, assessing their relevance

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 a strong and substantive knowledge of the theories considered, their significance and the major critical positions adopted towards them
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the theories and the ability to apply these theories to contemporary debates
3. Analyse complex concepts at a theoretical and applied level
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Identify, discuss and critically evaluate the major concepts deployed of theories covered and their argumentative articulation;
5. Critically engage in both reasoned interpretation and reasoned criticism of such theories
Personal and Key Skills6. Critically evaluate different interpretations of The Good Life in relation to current issues
7. Demonstrate clear, effective and efficient communication skills orally and written
8. Formulate well-articulated conclusions on theories of the Good Life based on a broad range of sources
9. Demonstrate a capacity for independent study and research.