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. Have big ideas on sovereignty been fundamental to establishing political order, or a tool to justify colonisation? Is John Locke's theory of proper

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. You will attend interactive lectures with students from across the School of Humanities and Performing Arts. You will have opportunities to apply the concepts addressed in these lectures to your work wi

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. Students will also be introduced to basic social, cultural, political, historical and artistic topics from the Chinese world taken from authentic material. A t

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. Students will also be introduced to basic social, cultural, political, historical and artistic topics from the Chinese world taken from authentic material. A one-hour practice and conve

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 – and democratic governance has been transformed, often in response to social and political crisis and changes in social systems. This module will introduce

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. Have big ideas on sovereignty been fundamental to establishing political order, or a tool to justify colonisatio

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. You will critically engage with themes such as race, gender, identity, and geopolitical issues in relation to UN Sustainable Development Goals, conceptualizing a more equitable and sustainable society. Through subject-specific wo

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. Students will be able to understand, without difficulty, the most familiar topics and enhance their ability to discuss and comprehend general social, cul

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. The module will provide you with an up-to-date understanding of research methods, and the ways these methods are applied in contemporary politics and international relations research. The module considers the characteristics o

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. In particular it seeks to challenge US-centric perceptions of the continent, by drawing on aspects of trans-continental relations as well as UK relations across the Americas. From bureaucratic corridors of power to activism and street p

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 on the experiences of marginalised communities with increasingly diverse societies, and the bodies of theory associated with these often-politicised lived realities, including queer theory, disability theor

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