Study Programmes 2016-2017
SEMI0722-1  
Seminar : classics in political science
Duration :
30h Th
Number of credits :
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
Learning unit contents :
"Seminar: Classics in political science" combines the analysis of works considered as classics of political science, with the gradual introduction of a foreign language (English) in the process of understanding and assimilating the work by the students. This year, the literature and the classes are based on the following theme: "Control and public space". They aim to question the gradual institutionalisation of political power over time and its various methods. Students are asked to orally present an argued point of view and to write an essay related to the authors they have read and one of the following  questions: - What is Tocqueville's view of the role of institutions of socialisation and the media in maintaining a democratic system, and what are the limits? - What is Tocqueville's view of the separation of powers in a democratic system and what are the limits? - What is Hobbes view of organicism and what are the limits? - What is Hobbes view of the heteronomy of the state and what are the limits?
Learning outcomes of the learning unit :
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
  • analyse fundamental political science texts using a reading method;
  • master different concepts by authors;
  • explain texts seen in class, compare them with other authors and develop a critical view;
  • develop an argument on the institutionalisation of power in relation to the analysed texts.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
The course is comprised of four stages that will allow students to gradually understand and analyse the authors:
  • introduction to the seminar, given at the beginning of the academic year, defining the seminar's objectives;
  • individualised support for students to help them prepare their presentation and their work in English (with the possibility of using French in case of difficulties);
  • oral presentations in English, in the form of panel discussions;
  • writing a short essay in English.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
The course is organised as a seminar. Students are expected to actively participate in every session.
Recommended or required readings :
Compulsory reading:


  • Hobbes Thomas, Leviathan or The Matter, Forme and Power of a Common Wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil;
  • De Tocqueville Alexis, De la démocratie en Amérique;
  • Grandjean Geoffrey, Classics in political science, Liège, Presses Universitaires de Liège, 2016-2017, 369 p., available online: http://hdl.handle.net/2268/201285.
Assessment methods and criteria :
The assessment is based on several tasks. First of all, students must read the texts themselves and choose the subject of their oral presentation and their essay. As part of this task, they must meet the course leader at least twice. If students fail to do so, one point will be removed every time they fail to turn up. Secondly, students must do an oral presentation in English within the framework of a panel discussion. The oral presentation will last maximum 5 minutes and is worth 30% of the final grade. Thirdly, students must comment on the oral presentation of a fellow student. The commentary consists of a reasoned critique of the presentation. The commentary will last maximum 3 minutes and is worth 20% of the final grade. Fourthly, students must write a short essay based on their oral presentation and the comments they received on it. The essay should be maximum 3 pages long (excluding the cover page, table of contents and the bibliography) and is worth 50% of the final grade. The followed criteria are applied to the assessment: 1) originality of the subject, 2) inclusion of the authors, 3) structure of the presentation and the essay, and 4) quality of the argument.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
The course is held during the second term.
However, to allow students to properly organise their time and their reading programme, an introductory session will be held at the beginning of the first term (30 September, 08.30-10.30).
Contacts :
Prof. Dr Geoffrey Grandjean Lecturer Faculté de Droit, de Science Politique et de Criminologie Place des Orateurs, 3 4000 LIEGE
Box 33 Office r. 16 Tel.: +32 (0)4/366.96.60 Email: Geoffrey.Grandjean@ulg.ac.be
Items online :
classcis in political science
Translation coming.