Undergraduate Modules: POL393 - Elections and Voting

Level: 3
Credits: 20

Module Leader: Dr Alistair McMillan

Description

Elections are one of the few methods that enable a society to reach a collective decision based on individual preferences. Elections serve as a means of linking citizens to government. Voting is the principal activity that binds the individual to the political system and legitimises the democratic process. National elections are widely considered to be the central focus of political activity in established democracies. This module focuses on the study of elections and voting behaviour. Particular emphasis will be placed on elections and voting patterns in Britain, although we will also consider other democratic states. Factors at the core of democratic legitimacy will be examined, such as why individuals vote (or do not vote) and why they vote the way they do.

Objectives

This module aims to deepen understanding of the decisions that voters make when electing a government. To this end it will consider competing theoretical and empirical explanations of both voting behaviour and political participation. Students are encouraged to apply their theoretical knowledge to empirical situations as we examine how theories of voting behaviour apply to election outcomes. By the end of this module, a candidate will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the main theoretical approaches to the study of voting behaviour.
• critically appraise empirical studies of voting behaviour, including those that use both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• critically appraise academic research on, and popular accounts of, voting behaviour.
• apply conceptual tools to analyse concepts such as political participation, partisanship and political communication;
• demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative and transferable skills, including understanding complex concepts and theories, exercising critical judgement, making effective oral and written presentations, utilising specialist primary and secondary sources, and deepening the capacity for independent learning.

Assessment

• Essay: 50%
• Exam: 50%