IR4504 The Language of Politics

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

1pm Tues

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr H A C Marshall

Dr H A C Marshall
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof Gabriella Slomp

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module examines key words we encounter in the language of politics; it pays special attention to terms such as 'power', 'sovereignty', 'rights', 'liberty', 'equality', 'obligation', 'justice'. It compares and contrasts different definitions of these terms in the historical and ideological contexts from which they emerged. The module also introduces students to the study of uses and abuses of language for political purposes, ranging from the sophists' art of rhetoric and oratory to contemporary techniques of persuasion and manipulation.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Intended learning outcomes

  • 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