Study Programmes 2015-2016
SEMI0722-1  
Seminar : classics in political science
Duration :
30h Th
Number of credits :
Bachelor in political sciences : general3
Bachelor in political sciences : general3
Lecturer :
Geoffrey Grandjean
Language(s) of instruction :
English language
Organisation and examination :
All year long, with partial in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
"Seminar: Classics in political science" combines the presentation of classical pieces of work from the political science literature with a gradual use of a foreign language (English) in the understanding and appropriation process that the students follow.
 
This year, the books and the lectures are connected to the following theme: "Control and public space". It aims to interrogate the gradual institutionalization of the political power through time and its multiple modalities.
 
Course literature:
-          Hobbes Thomas, Leviathan, or The Matter, forme, & Power of a Common-Wealth Ecclesiasticall and civill.
-          De Tocqueville Alexis, Democracy in America.
Learning outcomes of the course :
At the end of the course, the student must be able:
-          To read carefully some fundamental political science pieces of work using a reading methodology;
-          To handle multiple authors' concepts;
-          To explain, compare and develop a critical point of view on the text presented during the lectures.
 
The class is divided in three parts. The objective is to ensure an easy transition from French language to English one.
-          The first introduction lectures are taught in French (ex-cathedra).
-          Some duty periods aimed to help students in the preparation of their essay are taught in French and in English.
-          The essay writing and the presentation are in English.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
The seminar combines lectures that aim to precisely contextualise the approached authors, a self-study period of reading (compulsory before the collective session) and some oral presentation session.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
The course takes the form of a seminar. It implies the active participation of students at each session.
Recommended or required readings :
Hobbes Thomas, Leviathan, or The Matter, forme, & Power of a Common-Wealth Ecclesiasticall and civill.
 
De Tocqueville Alexis, Democracy in America.
Assessment methods and criteria :
The assessment is based on:
-          The reading of the classical pieces of work;
-          The student participation during the seminar;
-          The essay, whose modalities are explained during the first lesson.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
The course will take place during the second quadrimester.
However, in order for the students to make the best use of their time and be able to organise their reading programme, an information session will take place at the beginning of the first quadrimester (the 25th september, 14h30-17h00). The objective of this session will be to introduce the "required readings" list and to encourage the students to start their readings without delay as soon as the first quadrimester begins.
  Practical work sessions may be organized. They will take place during the second quadrimester
Contacts :
Pr. Dr Geoffrey Grandjean Lecturer
Département de Sciences Politiques Université de Liège Quartie Agora - Place des orateurs, 3 4000 Liège Boîte 33 Bureau r. 16 Tel./ +32 (0)4/366.96.60 Mail : Geoffrey.Grandjean@ulg.ac.be