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PL20784: Theories of democracy

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2012/3
Follow this link for further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
Follow this link for further information on credits Credits: 6
Follow this link for further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Follow this link for further information on period slots Period: Semester 2
Follow this link for further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW 33%, ES 67%
Follow this link for further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Follow this link for further information on unit rules Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take PL20385
Follow this link for further information on unit content 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).
Follow this link for further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PL20784 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Economics
  • UHES-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Economics and Politics (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHES-AKB01 : BSc (hons) Economics and Politics (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • UHPL-AYB13 : BA (hons) French and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB12 : BA (hons) German and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB16 : BA (hons) Italian (ab initio) and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB14 : BA (hons) Italian and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB15 : BA (hons) Russian (ab initio) and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB17 : BA (hons) Spanish and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AAB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AFB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AKB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AAB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AFB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AKB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2012/13.
* 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.