What does the modern state look like? How has the legitimacy of the state, as an institution, been justified in the history of political thought? How have ideas shaped and influenced revolutionary movements? How have revolutions in turn shaped the thinking of those who lived through them? When are revolutions ever justified? By critically analysing the key thinkers and texts in the history of political thought, this module gives students the key tools to think through two of the most important forces that have shaped modern politics: the rise of the state, and the revolutions that followed it.
Private Study: 128
Contact Hours: 22
Total: 150
Optional to the following courses:
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations (Bidiplôme)
• 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 Continental Europe or North America
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Language
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Year in Asia-Pacific
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Quantitative Research
• BA (Hons) Economics and Politics
• BA (Hons) History and Politics
• BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics
• BA (Hons) Sociology and Politics
• LLB (Hons) Law and Politics
Also available as an elective module and to short term credit students
Any student who has previously taken POLI6230 restricted from taking this module
Main assessment methods
Research question and bibliography (1000 words) 20%*
Long essay (4,000 words) 80%*
*Both elements are pass compulsory and must be passed to achieve the learning outcomes of the module
Reassessment methods
Like for Like
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.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Identify key issues in the political theory literature and demonstrate an ability to synthesise them;
2 Understand how the state and revolution have developed as historical concepts and how they have changed over time;
3 Evaluate different interpretations by critically assessing descriptive and normative arguments in the history of political thought;
4 Apply concepts from political theory to the analysis of political ideas, institutions and practices, relative to the historical and contemporary context;
5 Critically evaluate different approaches to collecting, analysing and presenting information in the history of political thought, particularly by developing well supported theoretical arguments.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
