SA3109 Approaches in Political Analysis

Part I

Course Duration: One semester

Credit Units: 3

Level: B3

Medium of Instruction: English

Prerequisites: Nil

Precursors: Nil

Equivalent Courses: Nil

Exclusive Courses: Nil

Part II      

Course Aims

This course aims to equip students with knowledge of the most up-to-date debates on the analytical framework of politics. Students are exposed to development of major controversies concerning different perspectives for understanding politics. A major focus will be on the economic approach and the institutional approach. Students will learn to appreciate the basic assumptions and logic of these diverse lines of inquiry, and their respective strengths and limitations.

Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

No.

CILOs

Weighting (if applicable)

1.

Acquire a good idea of the plurality and diversity of analytical perspectives and framework in understanding political development and human behaviour

20%

2.

Understand the logic, assumptions, strengths and limitations of the selected approaches to political analysis, independently and relative to each other

60%

3.

Develop research, writing and communication skills, and in particular how to formulate a research proposal

20%

 

Teaching and Learning Activities (TLAs)
(Indicative of likely activities and tasks designed to facilitate students’ achievement of the CILOs. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course)

CILO No

TLAs

Hours/week (if applicable)

CILO 1, 2, 3

Participating in class lectures and in-class discussions

2

CILO 1, 2, 3

Participating in tutorial discussions and group presentations

1

CILO 1, 2

Reading

3

CILO 1,2, 3

Writing of brief reading reviews before designated tutorials

 

CILO 1, 2, 3

Writing of individual analytical essay

 

CILO 1, 2, 3

In-group discussions and preparations for group project: formulation of research proposal

1.5

CILO 1, 2, 3

Writing of group research proposal

 

 

Assessment Tasks/Activities
(Indicative of likely activities and tasks designed to assess how well the students achieve the CILOs. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course)

CILO No

Type of assessment tasks/activities

Weighting (if applicable)

Remarks

CILO 1, 2, 3

Class and tutorial participation (incl group presentation on research proposal)

30%

 

CILO 2

Reading reviews

15%

To be submitted before tutorials

CILO 3

Individual essay

25%

 

CILO 4

Group research proposal

30%

 

 

Grading of Student Achievement: Refer to Grading of Courses in the Academic Regulations
Standard (A+AA-...F)

Part III

Keyword Syllabus
Rational choice, micro-foundation, political behaviour, structure, agency, institutions, political culture, state, civil society, collective action, interpretation, intention, history.

 

Related Links
Department of Public and Social Administration