Module info

Learning objectives

This module introduces students to:
• learn some basic concepts in political theory through attentive reading and engagement with some key texts in political theory
• understand key arguments of selected political theorists and to develop their analytical, critical thinking and writing skills
• to examine different facets of a question through research and writing.


At the end of the module, students will be able to:
i. Read and understand complex theoretical arguments
ii. Understand the role of theory in shaping, justifying and criticising political structures
iii. Learn the different ways in which concepts and arguments are defined andconstructed
iv. Develop critical thinking and research skills through written assignments.


This first year module seeks to equip students with the analytical skills needed to undertake other modules in political theory in subsequent years of their degree programme. As such, students, will develop the following study skills:
• Careful, close reading and note-taking• Participation and team-work

• Structuring an argument and communicating it in either oral or written form
• Research and essay writing• Time management and meeting deadlines
• Creative and analytical thinking