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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2017 - 2018

Module Title Western Political Thought
Module Code LG359
School School of Law & Government

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorDr Maura ConwayOffice NumberC232
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive introduction to modern Western political thought as it has manifested in modern political ideologies. This is not a political philosophy class, since it focuses on the main components of ideologies, their cohesiveness and social and political functions. The revival of some ‘old’ ideologies as well as the increasing influence of some ‘new’ ones is a characteristic feature of the twenty-first century. The module begins with the concept of ideology itself, and then treats some of the most important Western political ideologies in turn. Besides some ‘classic’ ideologies (i.e. Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism), we also discuss some others that have had significant impact in the history of ideas (i.e. Nationalism, Anarchism, Fascism), as well as some ‘new’ ideologies that gained in importance from the 1960s onwards (i.e. Neo-Conservatism, the New Left, Feminism, Islamism). The module seeks to put these into context by considering their social and political practice, with a particular emphasis on their approaches to protest and violence.

Learning Outcomes

1. An understanding of the concept of ideology
2. Knowledge of the major Western political ideologies covered
3. An enhanced capacity for theoretical and critical reflection on political ideas, especially as these relate to protest and violence
4. Students will also develop their capacity to debate these issues in an articulate fashion and address them with a high degree of analytical precision in written work.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture22No Description
Independent Study103No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The Concept of Ideology

Liberalism and Neo-Liberalism

Conservatism, the New Right, Neo-Conservatism

Marxism-Leninism, Socialism, the New Left

Nationalism

Anarchism

Fascism

Feminism

Islamism

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Heywood, Andrew: 2007, Political Ideologies: An Introduction, Fourth Ed, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
BSSAOStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
ECSAOStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAOStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
IRBA in International Relations
SHSAOStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
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