IR4504 MODULE DESCRIPTION
The module introduces students to the contested language of politics. The lectures examine the multiple meanings of keywords of political discourse, such as ‘rights’, ‘liberty’, ‘equality’, ‘emergency’. The tutorials discuss the usage of these terms in a set of influential political speeches, from Emmeline Pankhurst’s talk on ‘The laws that men have made’ (1908) to Obama’s address on ‘Heroism is here’ (2011).
IR4504 LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The module aims at developing:
• a capacity to articulate one’s views in written and oral forms
• a capacity to develop an argument to support a view and to take advantage of knowledge and expertise in other fields
• tolerance towards, and understanding of, different points of view during class discussion
• the ability to discuss a topic in class without stealing the platform and without hiding behind a group, but rather as part of a team
• a critical and independent mind and analytical skills in examining complex theoretical texts
• a capacity to find bibliographical sources and to utilise electronic resources
• a capacity to work to deadlines for class discussion and essays
IR4504 LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Through participation in this module diligent students will
• Acquire a detailed understanding of the historical and ideological presuppositions of conflicting definitions of political concepts such as rights, liberty, equality, enmity, and justice
• Become aware of the practical implications of different theoretical standpoints
• Understand past and contemporary debates on human rights
• Develop their own thought on issues of justice, rights and enmity
• Develop a critical mind towards the language of politics
The module introduces students to the contested language of politics. The lectures examine the multiple meanings of keywords of political discourse, such as ‘rights’, ‘liberty’, ‘equality’, ‘emergency’. The tutorials discuss the usage of these terms in a set of influential political speeches, from Emmeline Pankhurst’s talk on ‘The laws that men have made’ (1908) to Obama’s address on ‘Heroism is here’ (2011).
IR4504 LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The module aims at developing:
• a capacity to articulate one’s views in written and oral forms
• a capacity to develop an argument to support a view and to take advantage of knowledge and expertise in other fields
• tolerance towards, and understanding of, different points of view during class discussion
• the ability to discuss a topic in class without stealing the platform and without hiding behind a group, but rather as part of a team
• a critical and independent mind and analytical skills in examining complex theoretical texts
• a capacity to find bibliographical sources and to utilise electronic resources
• a capacity to work to deadlines for class discussion and essays
IR4504 LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Through participation in this module diligent students will
• Acquire a detailed understanding of the historical and ideological presuppositions of conflicting definitions of political concepts such as rights, liberty, equality, enmity, and justice
• Become aware of the practical implications of different theoretical standpoints
• Understand past and contemporary debates on human rights
• Develop their own thought on issues of justice, rights and enmity
• Develop a critical mind towards the language of politics
Course Type: 2024-2025 Modules
Shared Course: No
Feeder Course: No