Authoritarianism and its Critics (L2110)
Authoritarianism and its Critics
Module L2110
Module details for 2025/26.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
The most common form of autocracy today is electoral autocracy, in which multiparty elections and autocratic practice combines. In this module, you will study the ideologies articulated in justification and critique of such regimes worldwide today. You will interpret politicians’ speeches and performances, read and evaluate analyses of them. You will analyse how these justifications of electoral autocracy are articulated in dialogue with past and present political theory. You will analyse how justifications of electoral autocracy disfigure strands of democratic theory, and how critiques of electoral autocracy draw on and contribute to democratic thought.
Module learning outcomes
Effectively formulate, organise and communicate arguments
Describe the arguments through which electoral autocracy is justified
Analyse how meanings are fixed in the formulation of justifications of electoral autocracy
Critically evaluate theories of the ideologies through which justifications of electoral autocracy are analysed
Analyse the underlying patterns in the ideologies through which electoral autocracy and democratic rule are justified and critiqued
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (2000 words) | Autumn Semester Week 11 Thu 16:00 | 30.00% |
| Essay (4000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Thu 16:00 | 70.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 11111011111 |
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111011111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Daniel Paget
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/621116
Dr Hannah Richter
Assess convenor
/profiles/341320
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