Not available in 2020/21
LL4BW Half Unit
Law and Political Thought
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Professor Thomas Poole
Availability
This course is available on the LLM (extended part-time), LLM (full-time), MSc in Political Theory and University of Pennsylvania Law School LLM Visiting Students. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
This course is capped at 30 students. Students must apply through Graduate Course Choice on LSEforYou.
This course will be relevant to the following LLM specialisms: Human Rights Law, Legal Theory and Public Law
Pre-requisites
None.
Course content
This course examines the relationship between law and political theory. It does so through the study of classic texts of political thought: typically Hobbes, Leviathan, Rousseau, Social Contract; Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France; Schmitt, Constitutional Theory; Oakeshott, On Human Conduct; Hayek, Law, Legislation and Liberty. In this way, the course deals with major topics of theoretical and juridical interest, such as the rule of law, liberalism and republicanism, cultural pluralism, theories of authority and legitimacy, revolution and the state, nationalism and cosmopolitanism.
Teaching
20 hours of seminars in the LT. 2 hours of seminars in the ST.
There will be a reading week in week 6.
Formative coursework
All students are expected to produce one 2,000 word formative essay during the course.
Indicative reading
The reading for the course consists of classic texts in political thought. Many are available online and the course is delivered through Moodle.
Assessment
Essay (100%, 8000 words) in the ST.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Law
Total students 2019/20: 20
Average class size 2019/20: 20
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: Half Unit
