Module Catalogue 2024/25

POL1048 : Foundations of Modern Political Thought (Inactive)

POL1048 : Foundations of Modern Political Thought (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr David Walker
  • Lecturer: Dr Graham Long
  • Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aims in this module are to enable students to gain a grasp of the political ideas of five key thinkers whose thought has informed modern political thought, to identify some of the chief continuities and contrasts between them, to think critically about their ideas, to gain an awareness of the significance and impact of their thought, and to introduce a range of key concepts in modern political thought.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module focuses on the ideas of five of the most influential political thinkers of the modern era: Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill and Marx. Each of these thinkers attempts to provide answers to the most fundamental questions of politics, for example why do human beings need government? How can some human beings gain the right to rule others? Should we place limits on the scope of political authority and when can we justifiably defy it? What is human nature and how should it shape our political arrangements? What is freedom, how important is it compared with other political goals, and how should we endeavor to achieve it? What is justice and what makes for a just society? How should equality be understood and how does it relate to other concepts such as freedom? When is revolution justified? Ideas of the ‘social contract’, consent, human nature, liberty, equality, democracy, property, justice, class and revolution will all be considered in this module.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The intended knowledge outcomes are: a good grasp of the most important ideas of the five thinkers studied; an insight into how their ideas relate to one another; a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of these ideas; an awareness of what is significant about these ideas and their impact upon subsequent political thought; an understanding of a range of key concepts found in modern political thought.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The main intended skill outcomes for students are: to develop their critical-analytical ability, their written and oral communication skills, planning and organisational skills, and their teamwork skills.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture221:0022:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading51:005:00Reading Groups
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching111:0011:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery41:004:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1158:00158:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures introduce students to the key ideas of the five thinkers and provide focus for module. The seminars allow for participation by students in clarifying and exploring key ideas and issues. These help to develop critical-analytical and oral communication skills. The reading groups help to develop teamwork skills. Essays help to develop critical-analytical skills and written communication skills. Planning and organisational skills are developed throughout module, along with knowledge outcomes, which are tested in the assessments.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay2M501,800 words
Essay2M501,800 words
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The essays will provide an opportunity for students to explore the thinkers in greater depth. It will assess the student’s ability to place and synthesise the material gained from lectures and seminars in appropriate contexts and their ability to critically and succinctly evaluate the ideas, concepts and theories introduced in lectures and explored in seminars. In addition the essay will also assess the capacity and initiative of students to undertake independent study of published and electronic materials.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.

You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.