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PL20784: Theories of democracy

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2015/6
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 33%, ES 67%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 33%)
  • Essay (ES 67%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you must take PL20385
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
This unit provides an introduction to modern democratic theory and an overview of the major models of democracy. The main aims are:
* to introduce students to the cornerstones of thinking about democracy;
* to explore the major models of democracy which have evolved since Athenian democracy;
* to provide a foundation for the critical understanding and discussion of challenges to democratic structures at national, European and international level.

Learning Outcomes:
Students who complete the unit successfully will be able to demonstrate:
* a clear grasp of the key theories of democracy embedded in their historical context;
* familiarity with theoretical arguments surrounding the ideas and concepts underpinning various models of democracy;
* ability to understand and contribute to contemporary debates about the advantages and drawbacks of democratic systems.

Skills:
Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken academic discourse, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument, teamwork and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit.

Content:

* Classical Models of Democracy
* Republicanism and Liberalism
* Democratic Elitism and Participative Democracy
* Pluralism and Corporatism
* Deliberative Democracy
* Contemporary challenges to democracy
Key text: David Held, Models of Democracy 3rd edn (Polity Press, 2006).
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PL20784 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Economics
  • UHES-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Economics and Politics (Year 2)
  • UHES-AKB01 : BSc(Hons) Economics and Politics with Year long work placement (Year 2)
Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • UHPL-AYB13 : BA(Hons) French and Politics with Year Abroad (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AYB12 : BA(Hons) German and Politics with Year Abroad (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AYB16 : BA(Hons) Italian ab inito and Politics with Year Abroad (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AYB14 : BA(Hons) Italian and Politics with Year Abroad (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AFB30 : BSc(Hons) Politics and International Relations (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AAB30 : BSc(Hons) Politics and International Relations with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AKB30 : BSc(Hons) Politics and International Relations with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Politics with Economics (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AAB10 : BSc(Hons) Politics with Economics with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Politics with Economics with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AYB15 : BA(Hons) Russian ab inito and Politics with Year Abroad (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AYB17 : BA(Hons) Spanish and Politics with Year Abroad (Year 2)

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2015/16 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2016/17 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2015/16.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.