Course Description

Course Name

Citizenship And Democracy

Session: VGSS3122

Hours & Credits

20 SCQF Credits

Prerequisites & Language Level

Intro to Politics

Taught In English

  • There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.

Overview

This course seeks to explore and analyse the theory and practice of active citizenship, locating it within the democratic tradition of civic republicanism, whilst exploring the wider traditions of democracy
Students will be encouraged to reflect on the implications of active citizenship for contemporary liberal democracy and to explore different/developed models of democracy such as deliberative democracy.
Students may elect to take a placement during the second semester and to submit a placement report and reflective journal in place of sitting the exam.
This course aims to allow students to explore in depth key issues in democratic theory and the theory and practice of citizenship. The course firstly examines classical and modern approaches to democratic theory, and secondly examines the theory and practice of citizenship. The course gives students the option of combining their study of citizenship with practical experience of active citizenship through engagement with a voluntary placement. They may otherwise elect to focus on the theoretical models and issues related to citizenship and democracy.
Assessment
For those not doing a placement:
(a) essay of 2000 words (30%) to be submitted in week 6 of semester 1;
(b) exam 2 hours in duration, attempt two questions out of approximately eight (60%);
(c) Seminar presentation (10%).
For those doing a placement:
(a) essay of 2000 words (30%) to be submitted in week 6 of semester 1;
(b) Placement case study (3,000 words) (60%) to be submitted at a date during the April/May exam diet;
(c) Seminar presentation (10%).
Seminar presentation:
Students unable to give their presentation will be required to complete the Websurf absence report and will wherever possible, be offered a second opportunity. Where this is not possible, or where the student is absent on the second occasion then the submitted presentation essay will be marked and its mark substituted.
Where no presentation essay was submitted, and/or where no appropriate reason for absence (in accordance with School policy) has been offered, the student will receive zero for this assessment.
The placement:
Students will be encouraged to arrange & secure a placement in an appropriate organisation such that the theory/theories of active citizenship can be observed in practice and reflected on and analysed as a case study.
It is envisaged that a range of organisations and agencies providing services to civil society might be approached, including governmental and non-governmental organisations, the voluntary sector and political parties. Informal approaches have already been made through contacts at Westminster and Holyrood; and to agencies such as the Children's Panel and Church groups.
It is not envisaged that students would normally be involved in direct contact with members of vulnerable client groups; where this is proposed it will be subject to negotiation between the course coordinator, the student and the organisation concerned and where appropriate students will be required to complete (at their or the organisation's own expense) the Disclosure Scotland process.
A placement contract would be agreed between the student and a nominated supervisor of the placement organisation, in agreement with the course coordinator. Thereafter, responsibility for supervision of them placement devolves to the placement supervisor. We will seek guidance from expert sources existing within the University of Glasgow in drawing up such placement contracts.
Students unable to secure an appropriate placement will be eligible to sit the final exam.

*Course content subject to change