Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL2079: Contemporary Public Debate in an Age of 'Anti-Politics'

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

Module Aims

This module aims to provide you with a critical understanding of the ways in which public debate, and the knowledge claims produced therein, shape (or not) democratic politics in Britain. . More concretely, you will explore debates about the mediatisation of politics, the politics of knowledge production, and   the ideas and practices underlying contemporary modes of representation in the public sphere/civil society. In all cases, we you shall engage in both theoretical and empirical analysis.

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 awareness of key ideas and concepts in the study of contemporary democracy and the public sphere
2. develop, articulate and justify your own theoretically informed ethical and political responses to key issues of contemporary debate
Discipline-Specific Skills3. examine, critique and analyse both the theoretical and empirical concepts/resources mobilised in debates about the mediatisation of politics, the politics of knowledge production, and the ideas and practices underlying contemporary modes of representation in the public sphere/civil society.
4. develop coherent and theoretically informed analyses of several contemporary issues of public contention
Personal and Key Skills5. collect, analyse and evaluate relevant secondary and primary sources
6. communicate effectively and accurately, orally and in writing demonstrate critical-thinking and effective communication in speech and writing
7. work independently and with peers to meet common research and assessment deadlines effectively
8. work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.