Freedom, Power, Justice: Foundations of Political Theory (M1036)

15 credits, Level 4

Spring teaching

On this module, you’ll explore central concepts and issues in political theory, focusing not only on the way politics is, but also the way it ought to be.

You’ll consider questions such as:

  • why should we obey the state?
  • is democracy the best form of government?
  • what makes a just society?

You’ll begin with the most fundamental and enduring questions in political theory, progressing to more recent debates. Each week’s analysis builds on the last, helping you develop a foundational understanding of central questions in political theory. By the end of the module, you’ll start forming your own answers to these questions.

Teaching

50%: Lecture
50%: Seminar

Assessment

30%: Coursework (Professional log)
70%: Written assessment (Essay)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 128 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We鈥檙e planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We鈥檒l make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: