detail

BA Politics

Academic Year 2018/19

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title

BA Politics

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Bachelor of Arts

Programme Code

POL-BA-S

UCAS Code

L200

HECoS Code

100491

ATAS Clearance Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Single Honours

Length of Programme

3 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

360

Exit Awards available

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 6

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Politics and International Relations (2015)

Accreditations (PSRB)

REGULATION INFORMATION

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

Programme Specific Regulations

At Level II a student may substitute up to 20 CATS of optional modules with the equivalent number of CATS from a list of approved modules beyond those listed below.

At Level III a student may substitute up to 20 CATS of optional modules with the equivalent number of CATS from a list of approved modules beyond those listed below.

A student who has transferred onto this Single Honours programme having only completed 60 CATS at Level I in the Single Honours subject may at Level II or Level III substitute up to 20 CATS of optional modules with the equivalent number of CATS from a list of approved modules beyond those listed below.

On completing Level I a Joint Honours student who has passed 60 CATS at Level I in Politics modules may be admitted to this Single Honours programme having obtained the approval of the advisor of studies for the programme.

A Joint Honours student wishing to be admitted to the Single Honours programme must have passed the following modules: PAI1007; PAI1009.

The admission requirement of ABB is waived provided students have achieved an average mark across the 60 CATS of 60 or above.

Students with protected characteristics

The School works with internship and placement providers and partner institutions to ensure that students with disabilities are able to complete residence abroad requirements.

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF PROGRAMME

• To provide students with the intellectual tools to reflect upon Politics both by theoretical explorations of the nature of politics and by comparisons with other societies

• to encourage, support and foster critical, independent and analytical thinking to enable students to come to their our understanding of politics;

• to provide students with an in depth knowledge and understanding of the core areas of the discipline; to complement that essential knowledge with modules from outside the core areas;

• to foster an attitude of self-motivated and independent learning;

• to equip students with a set of key, subject, employability and transferable skills;

• to encourage a professional attitude towards self-organisation and time-management; to equip students to be active and engaged citizens

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

The Single Honours Politics programme provides students with the opportunity to acquire and develop generic analytical, reasoning, literacy and communication skills.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The teaching /learning methods and strategy of the Single Honours Politics is made up of a wide variety of teaching and learning methods ranging from lectures, tutorials, role play, and student led discussion and students choosing module topics, small-group work.

Methods of Assessment

These general cognitive skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays (including students choosing their own essay and dissertation topics), exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations, group work and leaning logs.

At the end of the programme, students will be able to confidently formulate and express their own (and opposing) political views on a variety of topics.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The modules within the programme are laid out to foster the development of the above cognitive skills, and are delivered through a variety of teaching methods including formal lectures, small group tutorials and seminars, many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as power point presentations and handouts.

Methods of Assessment

Assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays (including students choosing their own essay and dissertation topics), exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and leaning logs.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The learner will gain both skills and confidence through oral and written assignments, discussion groups and team tasks.

Methods of Assessment

The learner will understand the general methodological and theoretical approaches to the study of Politics, as well as develop in depth and extensive knowledge of the history of the discipline, its specific concepts, issues and vocabulary.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Self-reflection and evaluation will further enhance the critical thinking and sound judgement of the learner.

Methods of Assessment

The learner will be able to solve problems, process and prioritise a wide variety of information and interpretations of data/information, and be confident and able to express arguments and positions in oral and written form.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The learner will be introduced to problem solving and information processing strategies, as well as general methodological and theoretical approaches to the study of Politics.

Methods of Assessment

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

The Single Honours in Politics will give students the opportunity to develop in depth and extensive knowledge and understanding about the nature and significance of Politics as a human activity.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Single Honours in Politics enables learners to develop in depth and extensive knowledge and understanding of Politics from normative/theoretical, comparative, institutional/administrative, policy and historical perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Learners will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative means, including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and learning logs.

They will be able to apply concepts, theories and methods used in the study of politics to the analysis of political ideas, institutions, policies, social/political movements, political parties and practices.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning methods to this effect include locating and organising information, small group work and teamwork, tutorial participation, written assignments, debate and discussion, role play.

Methods of Assessment

Learners will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative means, including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and learning logs.

In addition, learners will engage with all four specialist research areas in Politics at Queens (Political Theory; International Studies and Comparative Politics; Irish Politics and European Governance) as well as undertake a significant piece of independent research.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

While these teaching and assessment methods are intended to deliver information to the students and test their knowledge of that information, it is expected that students engage with knowledge on their own terms and develop the skills and confidence to independently process and understand that knowledge.

Methods of Assessment

Learners will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative means, including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and learning logs.

They will engage with the major issues and debates about differing political systems; the nature and distribution of power; and the attending social, economic and cultural aspects within which power operates.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learners will participate in teaching methods that include formal lectures, small group tutorials and seminars, many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as power point presentations and handouts.

Methods of Assessment

Learners will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative means, including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and learning logs.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

It helps them to build on their existing knowledge and understanding acquired at 2nd level education (or equivalent).

Methods of Assessment

Learners will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative means, including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and learning logs.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Learners will engage with subject specific skills such as: developing knowledge and understanding (e.g. about differing political institutions); generic intellectual skills (e.g. constructing a reasoned argument based on evidence and argument); and transferable skills (e.g. collaborative work, time management, prioritising information/data; awareness and appreciation of different perspectives on the same topic/issue).

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Self-reflection and evaluation will further enhance the critical thinking and sound judgement of the learner.

Methods of Assessment

These general cognitive skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, group-work, portfolios and tutorial contributions. A currently ongoing Academic Year Review process forms the basis for extending innovation in assessment, including the range and types of coursework elements offered, across modules on the programme.

In addition, students will be introduced to the basic methodological issues of Politics, which will enable them to complete a significant piece of independent research through a dissertation or placement.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The learner will gain both skills and confidence through oral and written assignments, discussion groups and team tasks.

Methods of Assessment

Political Theory; Irish Politics; International Relations and Comparative Politics; and European Governance.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning methods to this effect include locating and organising information, small group work and teamwork, tutorial participation, written assignments, debate and discussion, role play.

Methods of Assessment

The Single Honours in Politics allows students to develop in depth and extensive knowledge of four key areas of the study of Politics:

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Single Honours Politics programme encourages learners to develop specific knowledge and understanding about politics.
The teaching methods used to embed this knowledge and understanding include formal lectures, small group tutorials and seminars, many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as power point presentations and handouts, small group teaching, student-led discussions and role play. Teaching staff are supported and engaged to propose, develop, implement and disseminate innovations in teaching, learning and assessment.

Methods of Assessment

The methods used to assess this knowledge include a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and learning logs.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

The Single Honours Politics programme provides students with the opportunity to acquire and develop generic critical thinking, analytical reasoning, data gathering, literacy and communication skills which will be beneficial in terms of employment or further study.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

This broad portfolio of skills will be delivered through a variety of teaching methods including formal lectures, small group tutorials and seminars, many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as power point presentations and handouts.

Methods of Assessment

Transferable skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, group-work, portfolios and tutorial contributions. A currently ongoing Academic Year Review process forms the basis for extending innovation in assessment, including the range and types of coursework elements offered, across modules on the programme.

The learner will be able to solve problems, process and prioritise a wide variety of information, and express arguments and positions in oral and written form.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

and the ability to work independently.

Methods of Assessment

t the end of the programme learners will have the capacity to be self-reflexive and practice sound judgement, and will possess the necessary skills to enhance their ability to think critically, work in collaboration, demonstrate initiative, and effectively use communication and information technology where appropriate.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

career management (including building a learning portfolio and developing a CV);

Methods of Assessment

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

time management skills (working to deadlines, prioritising demands);

Methods of Assessment

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

IT skills (including PowerPoint, use of the internet as a research tool, email, Queens Online);

Methods of Assessment

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

interpersonal skills (small group or team work activities, debate, discussion), including the ability to understand, appreciate and evaluate a variety of positions and perspectives on the same topic or issue;

Methods of Assessment

At the end of the programme learners will have the capacity to be self-reflexive and practice sound judgement, and will possess the necessary skills to enhance their ability to think critically, work in collaboration, demonstrate initiative, and effectively use communication and information technology where appropriate.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

writing skills (note-taking, organisational skills, logical progression of argument, the ability to gather information from a wide range of both contemporary and archival sources, prioritising information);

Methods of Assessment

The learner will be able to solve problems, process and prioritise a wide variety of information, and express arguments and positions in oral and written form.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

communication (presentations, written assignments, teamwork);

Methods of Assessment

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Single Honours Politics programme enables learners to develop a broad portfolio of skills which will enhance their employability and/or provide them with a sound basis for progression to further research at postgraduate level (either MA or Doctoral work) or elsewhere. The learner will develop skills in the following areas:

Methods of Assessment

MODULE INFORMATION

Stages and Modules

Module Title	Module Code	Level/ stage	Credits	Availability		Duration	Pre-requisite			Assessment
				S1	S2			Core	Option	Coursework %	Practical %	Examination %
Perspectives on Politics	PAI1007	1	20	YES		12 weeks	N	YES		90%	10%	0%
Comparative Politics	PAI1009	1	20		YES	12 weeks	N	YES		90%	10%	0%
Contemporary Europe	PAI1001	1	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
World Politics	PAI1006	1	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Issues in Contemporary Politics	PAI1003	1	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Politics and Policy of the European Union	PAI2001	2	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Modern Political Thought	PAI2005	2	20	YES		12 weeks	N	YES		90%	10%	0%
The Politics of Deeply Divided Societies	PAI2011	2	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Irish Politics	PAI2013	2	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	30%	10%	60%
International Relations	PAI2017	2	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Studying Politics	PAI2043	2	20	YES		12 weeks	N	YES		90%	10%	0%
American Politics	PAI2018	2	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Security and Terrorism	PAI2055	2	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
International Organisations	PAI2056	2	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
British Politics in crisis?	PAI2002	2	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
The Politics of Irish Literature	PAI3005	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Contemporary Political Philosophy	PAI3025	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Internship	PAI3097	3	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y		YES	100%	0%	0%
Contemporary Critical Theory	PAI3004	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Women and Politics	PAI3008	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Middle Eastern Politics	PAI3011	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Scotland and N Ireland: Points of Political Comparison	PAI3014	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	30%	10%	60%
Dissertation (Politics and International Studies)	PAI3099	3	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y		YES	100%	0%	0%
Earth, Energy, Ethics and Economy: The Politics of Unsustainability	PAI3026	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
War and Visual Culture and Surveillance	PAI3044	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Ethics, Power and International Politics	PAI3057	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
National and Ethnic Minorities in European Politics	PAI3059	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Northern Ireland: A Case Study	PAI3064	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Challenges to contemporary party politics	PAI3067	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
US Foreign Policy	PAI3038	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Arms Control	PAI3039	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Security and Technology	PAI3073	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Global Pol. Econ. of Energy	PAI3012	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
The Placement	PAI3089	3	20	YES	YES	12 weeks	Y		YES	90%	10%	0%

Notes

Students are required to take the following TWO Compulsory modules: PAI1007 and PAI1009. Plus TWO modules from the following: PAI1001, PAI1006 and PAI1003. “Students will be notified each academic year of the optional modules being offered in the following academic year. Students are advised that not all optional modules will necessarily be offered in each academic year. Also, the delivery of a module may be subject to a minimum number of enrolments as well as unforeseen circumstances (e.g. illness of a member of staff). The range and content of optional modules will change over time as degree programmes develop and students’ choice of optional modules may also be limited due to timetabling constraints.“ Plus TWO modules from those available across the Faculty which may include modules from other Schools. Students are encouraged to consider enhancing their undergraduate experience by taking our International ‘Maymester’ Module PAI2020 Politics of Conflict Transformation as one of their optional modules, for further information contact your Advisor of Studies in September. Students are encouraged to consider enhancing their undergraduate experience by taking one of the International study options. These are: o Studying for one semester exchange at one of our partner universities in Europe through the ERASMUS student exchange programme • Studying for one semester at one of our partner universities in the United States through our American student exchange programme. For further information about semester abroad opportunities, contact Advisor of Studies or happeducation@qub.ac.uk

Students are required to take the following TWO Core modules: *PAI2043 and PAI2005. Plus FOUR modules from the following: PAI 2001, PAI2002, PAI2011, PAI2013, PAI2017, PAI2018, PAI2055, and PAI2056. Students MUST note that *PAI2043 is a pre-requisite for PAI3089, PAI3097, and PAI3099. “Students will be notified each academic year of the optional modules being offered in the following academic year. Students are advised that not all optional modules will necessarily be offered in each academic year. Also, the delivery of a module may be subject to a minimum number of enrolments as well as unforeseen circumstances (e.g. illness of a member of staff). The range and content of optional modules will change over time as degree programmes develop and students’ choice of optional modules may also be limited due to timetabling constraints.“ Students are encouraged to consider enhancing their undergraduate experience by taking one of the International study options. These are: o Studying for one semester exchange at one of our partner universities in Europe through the ERASMUS student exchange programme • Studying for one semester at one of our partner universities in the United States through our American student exchange programme. For further information about semester abroad opportunities, contact Advisor of Studies or happeducation@qub.ac.uk

Students are required to take: A: PAI3097-Internship (double-weighted - either semester) and FOUR modules from the list below. B: PAI3099-Dissertation (double-weighted-both semesters) and FOUR modules from the list below. C: SIX modules from the list below: PAI3004, PAI3005, PAI3008, PAI3011, PAI3012, PAI3014, PAI3025, PAI3026, PAI3027, PAI3038, PAI3039, PAI3044, PAI3056, PAI3057, PAI3059, PAI3063, PAI3064, PAI3067, PAI3073, and PAI3089 “Students will be notified each academic year of the optional modules being offered in the following academic year. Students are advised that not all optional modules will necessarily be offered in each academic year. Also, the delivery of a module may be subject to a minimum number of enrolments as well as unforeseen circumstances (e.g. illness of a member of staff). The range and content of optional modules will change over time as degree programmes develop and students’ choice of optional modules may also be limited due to timetabling constraints.“