Aims: To provide a grounding in the study of political ideologies, namely the thought which has been central to modern political debate, and to show the importance of ideas to the study of politics.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the unit students should be able to demonstrate i) an understanding of the notion of ideology, and of the key political ideologies discussed, and ii) an ability to engage with and analyse the main debates and arguments discussed in the course.
Skills:
Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit. Skills in effective learning are developed in this unit.
Content:
The lectures will focus on the main ideologies which have helped shape the modern world, together with more methodological debates surrounding the study of ideology. Lectures will include: what is 'ideology'?; liberalism; conservatism; Marxism; social democracy; nationalism; feminism; ecologism; and the 'end of ideology' debate.
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