What does the future look like? What do emerging technologies, such as social media, artificial intelligence, and changes in working conditions mean for the future of political institutions? Many texts of literature and political theory make claims about what the future will look like, even if speculatively. This module introduces students to recent developments in political theory and political literature which have made claims about the future, develops their ability to think critically about these claims, and allows them to creatively consider how political thought might help us understand the relationship between present and future political events.
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
Main assessment methods
View from the Future (1,000 words) 40%*
Essay (3,000 words) 60%*
*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 Critically analyse claims about the future through the lens of political theory.
2 Understand how thinkers have come to make claims about the future, and what level of knowledge about it is appropriate;
3 Evaluate different interpretations by critically assessing descriptive and normative arguments in political theory;
4 Apply concepts from political theory to the analysis of political ideas, institutions and practices, relative to the contemporary context and recent developments in political theory;
5 Critically evaluate different approaches to collecting, analysing and presenting political information, 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.
