Understanding Populism (973M9)
Understanding Populism, Authoritarianism and Post-Truth
Module 973M9
Module details for 2026/27.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
This module tackles three of the major challenges to contemporary democratic politics: populism authoritarianism and post-truth. This means addressing the challenge to democratic politics by populist actors and particularly the critique that they mount of liberal democracy. The challenge of authoritarianism is represented by emergence of hybrid regimes of democracy such as competitive authoritarianism and the processes of democratic backsliding that lead to them. The challenge of post -truth is represented by the challenge to knowledge, authority, science, and ultimately politics itself by denialism, The module will address the way in which each of these phenomena have been conceptualised, defined and applied to politics.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate an understanding of how different fields of political research analyse and define populism, authoritarianism and post-truth
Critique existing definitions and applications of these concept
Understand the connections and relations between the concepts of populism, authoritarianism and post-truth
Evaluate responses to combat anti-democratic politics
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio (3600 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 100.00% |
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.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 111111111110 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
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