BA (Hons) Politics with Mandarin Bachelor's degree at De Montfort University

This module looks at key political ideas that are fundamental to our world today, but also how those ideas have changed, especially with recent contributions in gender studies, postcolonial research and queer theory. Studying this module introduces students to theory – not as a distant, abstract exercise, but as a reflection of contemporary politics.

This module, with its focus on journeys and places, offers an opportunity for you to explore some of the key concepts underpinning your studies. You will take a post-disciplinary approach to your studies, using techniques from diverse areas to address key questions related to journeys and places.

This module introduces Mandarin language at A1 level by focusing on the development of the receptive skills of listening and reading and the productive skills of reading and writing. The learning is based on introductory and basic words, phrases and structures about oneself, family, immediate surroundings and daily activities and routine.

This module further develops the learning of Mandarin language at A2 level by focusing on the development of the receptive skills of listening and reading and the productive skills of reading and writing. The focus is on enhancing basic and personal communication skills and moving to more and more general topics.

There are vivid debates about the health and future of contemporary democracy, which is perceived to be under threat from secular developments in global politics and economics, leading to authoritarianism and declining trust in democratic processes. Different forms of democracy have, however, existed throughout the history of human societies.

Assessment: Portfolio (100%) (oral presentation and written report)

Big ideas in politics matter - but which ones? This module examines key political ideas that shape political realities today, but explores what decolonisation and diversification means for those political ideas. Why Big Ideas Matter takes a unique disruptive approach, by creating conversations between two or three important thinkers, within multiple cultural contexts and perspectives.

Assessment: Presentation (40%) and written report (60%)

This module prepares you for post-degree pathways by focusing on the skills, capabilities, and knowledge needed to thrive in professional environments. Emphasis is placed on core attributes and transferable skills while developing familiarity with the world of work.

Assessment: Written Portfolio or Recorded Presentation (100%)

This module reinforces the learning of Mandarin language at B1/B2 levels, by focusing on the development of the receptive skills of listening and reading and the productive skills of reading and writing beyond basic level. The focus will be on the use of a wider range of vocabulary and more complex structures and various means of communication.

This module critically introduces the approaches and methods that shape the creation of empirical knowledge in politics and international relations. The module advances the significance of the relationship between empirical knowledge and the methods used for investigation.

Assessment: Portfolio (100%)

This module takes a thematic approach to the study of politics across the Americas, offering a political, historical, social, cultural and international focus, which enables students to engage and consider government and the governed from a range of perspectives.

Assessment: Portfolio (100%) (presentation and report)

This module focuses on the growing canon of work around decolonising politics. The module will address legacies of empire and imperialism and their continued impact on politics today. The module draws on and critically examines the contemporary intersections of colonialism and colonial legacy.

Assessment: Presentation (40%) and Essay (60%)