Approaches to Political Science, 15 Credits

Contents

The aim is to deepen the student’s knowledge and understanding of current theoretical approaches in political science. The course will contribute both to a broad knowledge of theories in the field of political science and to individual specialization. Different theoretical approaches will be studied as well as their empirical application. Particular emphasis is placed on comparing approaches and on their commensurability with each other. The course encourages a critical and problematizing approach to theory.

The course literature consists of basic reading and literature on each of the theoretical approaches that are selected at the beginning of the course. For each such approach, the literature consists of (1) a book that introduces the approach (2) an article, book chapter or thesis that demonstrates how the approach can be empirically applied and (3) an article or book chapter that critically examines the approach.

Expected learning outcomes

In order to pass this course the student should, as far as knowledge and understanding are concerned, be able to:

• in a critical and initiated way account for the main theoretical approaches that are used in contemporary political science
• have advanced knowledge in one or several theoretical approaches in political science with particular relevance for the student’s own research area
• be able to take a critical stance to both established and new theoretical approaches

In order to pass this course the student should, as far as skills and abilities are concerned, be able to:

• present theories in a clear and convincing way
• be able to critically discuss another student’s theory paper and place others’ research in a broader theoretical perspective

Required Knowledge

Political Science, 90 credits or Peace and Conflict Studies, 90 credits including an individual thesis of 15 credits, or equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish Upper Secondary course English A. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The course consists of six sections. Each section is devoted to a particular theoretical approach. These are selected at the beginning of the course by the students together with the lecturer. Examples of approaches that may be relevant are institutional theory, rational choice, post structuralism, feminism and green political theory. Each section consists of a presentation and a seminar. One or several students are in charge of the section, providing both the presentation and chairing the seminar. Guest researchers may be used as a complement. Comparisons are made successively during the course. Each student writes an individual theory paper that is examined during a final seminar, in which one other student act as discussant.

Examination modes

Attendance at the presentations and seminars is compulsory and active participation is expected.

The course is examined by a combination of the following modes, and with the weights indicated in parenthesis: The theory paper (50 %), a written hand-in paper (15 %), the oral presentation (10 %), opposition during the final examination paper seminar (10 %) and an oral exam of the core literature (see below) (15 %). In order to pass the whole course, all modes of examination have to be passed. The final grade - Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) – is based on the combined results of these examination modes.

The theory paper (8-10 pages, spacing 1.5) consists of a discussion of how the student’s intended Magister or Master’s thesis is related to a particular theoretical approach and how its problem and design would be altered if two of the other approaches that were presented during the course had been chosen instead.

The hand-in paper (5 pages, spacing 1.5) is a comparative evaluation of three doctoral theses, of the student’s own choice, that are using the same theoretical approach.

General rules with regard to examination
A student who does not fully comply with the examination requirements but is close to a Pass grade may, after a decision of the examiner, be allowed to submit additional work in order to reach the target. The additional work will concern the specific aims that the student has failed to reach. This must be carried out within two weeks of the student having been informed about the examination results and before the next ordinary examination. Additions can only lead to a Pass grade. However, if the student wishes he/she may take a completely new examination which may result in a higher grade.

Students who fail the examination may take a new examination at least five times. A student has the right to request a new examiner if he/she fails two examinations. In such cases, students should contact the Director of Studies (studierektor). A student has the right to an examination based on the course and literature described in this document for a period of two years after he/she first registered for the course.

Credit Transfer
A student who wishes to transfer credits from another university or institute of Higher Education (Swedish/International) must do so in accordance with the protocol on credit transfer Tillgodoräknandeordning vid Umeå universitet (Dnr. 545-3317-02). The application must be made in writing and specifically name the particular course or module for credit transfer. Validated copies of course certificates or equivalent must be submitted showing the name of the university, the date of the course, subject area, level, number of points/credits and grades. The course syllabus including course literature must also be provided and, in relevant cases, the senior thesis.

When completed, this course may be counted as a separate course (fristående kurs) or as part of a Magister or Master’s programme. However, it is up to the granting department to make such a decision. Hence, the student should always find out whether this is possible before commencing the course.

Other regulations

At the end of the course, the student has the opportunity to make a written and anonymous evaluation of the course. During the course, student councils (kursråd) with an evaluative purpose are held and the students are also given the opportunity to provide anonymous comments in digital form.