School of Global Studies

Democracy, Dicators, Resistance (L6071)

Democracy, Dictators, Resistance and Revolt

Module L6071

Module details for 2025/26.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 5

Module Outline

Democracy, Dictators, Resistance and Revolt - This module examines the web of relationships
that shape politics and power within colonial and post-colonial contexts. This module invites
students to explore fundamental concepts such as nation, state, and bureaucracy while
analyzing the roles of leadership, populism, and resistance in diverse societies.
Through critical readings and diverse case studies, students will examine how historical
legacies influence contemporary governance and social movements. From the dynamics of
revolt to the subtleties of everyday resistance, we will examine how different communities
navigate the complexities of power.
The module unpacks the stories of resilience and transformation in a world where politics is not
just about institutions, but also about the lived experiences of individuals and groups. Equip
yourself with the analytical tools to understand and engage with the pressing political issues of
our time.

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate critical understanding of key themes in analyses of power

Show knowledge of how concepts such as hegemony, ideology, resistance, discourse and governance have been used by anthropologists

Ability to apply key concepts to new ethnographic cases

TypeTimingWeighting
Essay (3000 words)Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Tue 16:00100.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Spring SemesterLecture2 hours11111111111
Spring SemesterSeminar1 hour11111111111

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Dr Jon Mitchell

Convenor
/profiles/35384

Dr James McMurray

Assess convenor
/profiles/244445

Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.

The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.