This module introduces students to the empirical study of the key structures, institutions, processes, outcomes and behaviours in political systems. It familiarises students with both the content and shape of political life and how academic scholars study it. It also introduces the data, methods and techniques that allow students to study it themselves. Students learn about political life by learning how to do basic political research. Students will be able to apply their methods skills to empirical evidence commonly found in policy and academic work.
Private Study: 256
Contact Hours: 44
Total: 300
Compulsory to the following courses:
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Placement Year
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Foundation Year
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Year in North America
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Year in Continental Europe
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Quantitative Research
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Quantitative Research With a Placement Year
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Language
• BA (Hons) Economics and Politics
• BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics
• BA (Hons) History and Politics
• BA (Hons) Sociology and Politics
• LLB (Hons) Law and Politics
Also available as an elective module
Main assessment methods
6 Moodle quizzes (6 x 5%) 30%
Constitutional report (1500 words) 35%
Critical reflection (1500 words) 35%
Reassessment instrument: 100% coursework reassessment
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Understand what the study of politics is
2 Understand the main aspects of political systems, including structures and institutions
3 Understand how citizens behave in different sorts of political systems
4 Understand different approaches to studying politics
5 Demonstrate the skills to investigate political questions, including identifying evidence and utilising basic statistical techniques.
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