Kursplan

SYLLABUS

Political Science 2, 30 ECTS Credits

COURSE CATEGORY   Fristående kurs
MAIN FIELD OF STUDY
SUBJECT AREA

COURSE CODE

733G02

AIM OF THE COURSE

After having passed this course, the student will have further developed a critical and analytical outlook on political problems. This is expressed by the student possessing a deeper knowledge of political theory, in particular theories of democracy, and ability to confront and critically evaluate different approaches to democracy. The student is also acquainted with important methods of contemporary political science, understands the various stages and requirements of the scientific process, and is capable of independently designing and carrying out a scientific inquiry of politics. In addition, the student will have acquired deeper knowledge of theoretical perspectives and empirical conditions with reference to one of the course’s optional topics. In relation to the chosen topic, the student is able to reflect critically on the relevant scientific literature, and understands both its practical relevance and intra-disciplinarian significance. The student is capable of arguing for and against, as well as comparing and applying different theories and frameworks for analysis. In doing this, the student adopts a critical attitude towards arguments and interpretations, based on epistemological as well as ethical and democratic viewpoints.

CONTENTS

Political Theory, 7,5 ECTS credits

This course expands earlier acquired knowledge of political theory by focusing on the problem of democracy from the viewpoint of classical as well as modern theories of democracy. This topic is also utilized for further reflection on the conditions for production of knowledge in political science.

Methods of political science, 7,5 ECTS credits

This course provides an overview of analytical approaches and methods in political science and serves as a preparation for thesis writing. The latter implies that particular emphasis is put on questions regarding the design of scientific investigations, such as problem formulation , choice of method and materials, evaluation of sources, and the role as scientific critic.

Comparative politics and government, 7,5 ECTS Credits (optional)

This course presents different analytical perspectives on comparative politics and government. The point of departure is a process perspective on policy, power and steering. Critical perspectives on policy analysis are explicitly highlighted, for example from viewpoints of gender, class and ethnicity. Particular attention is devoted to the students’ skills and abilities in terms of independent application and critical evaluation of analyses of politics and government.

International politics, 7,5 ECTS Credits (optional)

This course addresses some topical issue areas in international relations, from the viewpoint of important, recent contributions to the scientific literature. Particular attention is devoted to the students’ skills and abilities in terms of independent application and critical evaluation of analyses of international politics.

Thesis, 7,5 ECTS Credits

This course entails planning, conducting and defending a scientific inquiry, and opposing another student’s work.

TEACHING

The course offers lectures which introduce and develop the content of the course. Lectures are complementary to the literature. Seminars are an important aspect of the learning process and provide opportunities for mutual, critical discussions which develop attitudes and skills. Students are expected to be well prepared for lectures and to have completed assigned preparations for seminars. Students are expected to read and take in the literature independently and/or in self-organized reading groups. In regard to the thesis part of the course, teaching primarily takes the form of tutorials, involving one student or a small group, and seminars, in particular the concluding examination seminar. As for seminars, student’s are expected to be well prepared for tutorials and (if a group is involved) to be ready to in dialogue deliver constructive criticism on other student’s work.

Activities which constitute elements of examination are mandatory.

EXAMINATION

Political theory is examined by means of a written, individual home examination, and through active participation in seminars. Methods of political science are examined all through this part of the course by means of written assignments and active participation in seminars. Comparative politics and government is examined through a written, individual home examination, active participation in seminars, and an individual assignment presented as a paper. International politics is examined by means of a written, individual home examination, and through active participation in seminars. Thesis is examined through presentation and defence of a thesis, and by opposing another student’s work in an examination seminar.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Political Science 1, with at least 22,5 ECTS Credits passed (equivalent).

GRADING

The course is graded according to the ECTS grading scale A-F

CERTIFICATE

COURSE LITERATURE

The course literature is decided upon by the department in question.

OTHER INFORMATION

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus.

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Political Science 2
Statsvetenskap 2, fortsättningskurs

Department responsible
for the course or equivalent: IEI - Department of Management and Engineering

Registrar No: 127/07-41

Course Code: 733G02

Exam codes: see Local Computer System

Subject/Subject Area :

Level		Education level			Subject Area Code		Field of Education
G1X		Basic level			SKA		SA