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AT4557: COMPARATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL SYSTEMS (2024-2025)

Last modified: 23 Jul 2024 11:10


Course Overview

This course will examine anthropological theories of the state, political organization and violence. Through an analysis of both modern and historical case studies from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, we will critically examine theories of state of modern and non-modern state formation and organisation, and the nexus of religion and colonial history. In the second half of the course, particular attention will we paid to the ethnography of violence as a mode of state and proto-state political action.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Term Second Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Martin Mills

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • One of Anthropology (AT) or International Relations (IR) or Politics (PI) or Sociology (SO)
  • Either Programme Level 4 or Programme Level 5
  • Any Undergraduate Programme

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

Yes

One or more of these courses have a limited number of places. Priority access will be given to students for whom this course is compulsory. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for more details on this process.


Course Description

This course will examine anthropological theories of the state, political organization and violence. Through an analysis of both modern and historical case studies from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, we will critically examine theories of state of modern and non-modern state formation and organisation, and the nexus of religion and colonial history. In the second half of the course, particular attention will we paid to the ethnography of violence as a mode of state and proto-state political action.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Oral Presentation: Group

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseCan critically compare and contrast the relevance of systems of legitimate governance in conflict situations.
ProceduralCreateCan help organise an effective learning experience on comparative systems of legitimate governance for student colleagues.

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Written feedback will be provided for continuous assessment work. This will normally be provided within three weeks of the submission date. Oral feedback on class presentations will also be provided where appropriate.

Word Count 3000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateCan explain and critically assess major theories of the state and reflexively assess the theoretical issues raised by the intercultural comparison of political systems and cultures.

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 40
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualAnalyseCan identify & explain key cross-cultural differences between the principles of legitimate governance in different polities, supported by detailed ethnographic and historical material.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Resit failed element in same format

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateCan explain and critically assess major theories of the state and reflexively assess the theoretical issues raised by the intercultural comparison of political systems and cultures.
FactualAnalyseCan identify & explain key cross-cultural differences between the principles of legitimate governance in different polities, supported by detailed ethnographic and historical material.
ConceptualAnalyseCan critically compare and contrast the relevance of systems of legitimate governance in conflict situations.
ProceduralCreateCan help organise an effective learning experience on comparative systems of legitimate governance for student colleagues.

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