IFCO 2690 - The Limits of Political Analysis

This module deals with the use of theory and meta-theory in the analysis of political systems, by focussing on the ontological and epistemological limits of modern political analysis. It begins with a consideration of the nature of explanation and understanding in the social sciences before examining a series of key theoretical and meta-theoretical debates within the discipline of political science and international relations (though all have far broader social scientific relevance). Throughout, it seeks to show how the ‘stuff of politics' itself places limits on our understanding of it and how different approaches to political analysis both acknowledge and respond to those limits differently. ------------- Amongst the topics to be covered are the relevance of and relationship between ontology and epistemology, the structure-agency debate and the role of ideas in political analysis. Whilst the course is structured thematically, each session reviews the theoretical and meta-theoretical choices of influential schools of thought within the discipline, considering how arguments are made and defended. A consistent theme developed throughout the course is the public role that political analysis can play in democratic societies and the responsibilities associated with the provision of expertise. -------------This module aims to provide an advanced level of understanding of issues related to the theoretical basis and conduct of contemporary political analysis. By the end of the module students will be able to: - Display an understanding of philosophical and methodological issues related to the conduct of research in the social sciences and in particular in the analysis of political systems. - Demonstrate an understanding of key theoretical and meta-theoretical debates in contemporary political analysis in differentiating between the ontological and epistemological limits of political analysis. - Display an understanding of influential and innovative works in political analysis, appreciating their strengths and weaknesses as well as recognising their analytical differences. - Demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative and transferable skills, including the ability to evaluate advanced concepts and theories, to present reasoned and effective arguments in written and oral form, to pursue independent learning and to show critical judgement.

Colin HAY,Omer Faruk METIN

Cours magistral seul

English

This is an in-depth course. Though there is no formal prerequisite, and although the course will build from the basic principles, it aims to take students to an advanced level. Though the course focuses on political analysis (and its limits) more specifically, it is also interested in the social scientific enquiry (and its limits) more generally. It thus seeks to be relevant to students of all social science disciplines.

Autumn 2022-2023

Journal article review (50%) – students are required to write a critical review of 1200 words of one of the readings listed in the appendix to this course outline (via the online portal on Moodle). // Essay (50%) – students are required to write a short essay of 2000 words in which they explain how one of the concepts (e.g.: power) or pairs of concepts (e.g.: structure and agency) or theories (e.g.: rational choice theory) discussed in the module might inform an analysis of a political subject of their choice (via the online portal on Moodle).