Politics

Political Corruption

Module code: L2046
Level 6
30 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Dissertation

“Corruption is the single greatest obstacle to global economic and social development. It distorts the rule of law and weakens the institutional foundation on which economic growth depends” - the World Bank. 

Though corruption is a central public concern today, it’s not a new one. For as long as humans have given authority to others, there’s always been the threat of power abuse. 

On this module, you’ll explore the “dark side” of politics. You’ll analyse corruption in its various forms and contexts, developing tools to address:

• how definitions of corruption differ across nations
• if corruption is absolute and universal, or context-dependent
• if corruption can ever be a good thing.

You’ll study specific examples of corruption in the developed world, from systematic abuses of power to minor misdemeanours. This will give you a foundation for exploring potential reforms to reduce corruption.

Module learning outcomes

• Identify a topic suitable for research relating to political corruption
• Plan and carry out a research project relating to political corruption which sustains a line of argument
• Locate and evaluate a range of resources appropriate to a topic on political corruption
• Make use of constructive feedback on the development of their ideas in the implementation of a research topic related to political corruption