Suspended in 2026/27
GV347 Half Unit
Advanced Topics in Political Science A
This information is for the 2026/27 session.
Availability
This course is available on the BA in Social Anthropology, BSc in History and Politics, BSc in International Social and Public Policy with Politics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (with a Year Abroad), BSc in Politics, BSc in Politics and Economics, BSc in Politics and International Relations, BSc in Politics and Philosophy and BSc in Social Anthropology. This course is not available as an outside option to students on other programmes. This course is not available to General Course students.
Requisites
Pre-requisites:
Students must have completed GV101 before taking this course.
Course content
This course is devoted to the advanced study of key themes in political science, providing students with critical understanding of theories and methods being applied in contemporary research in comparative politics, political economy, political behaviour, or public policy. The specific theme will vary from year to year depending on the instructor teaching on this course.
For any given topic, the course will cover key foundational and advanced concepts, relevant academic literatures, theories and methods being used in political science research, and applications to contemporary political issues and debates.
Examples of potential topics include the politics of specific countries or regions not already covered by existing courses, the politics of specific policy areas not already covered by existing courses, or cross-cutting research themes such as political accountability, identity politics, media and politics, authoritarian institutions, political networks, or public participation.
Teaching
20 hours of seminars in the Autumn Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
Formative assessment
Essay (1000 words).
Indicative reading
Course readings will vary depending on the particular topic being offered in a given year, but will generally include readings from articles in political science journals such as:
American Political Science Review
World Politics
Comparative Political Studies
Perspectives on Politics
Assessment
Course participation (15%).
Essay (85%, 3000 words).
Key facts
Department: Government
Course study period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ level: Level 6
Keywords: political science
Total students 2025/26: Unavailable
Average class size 2025/26: Unavailable
Capped 2025/26: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Application of numeracy skills