Politics and History

Power, Politics and the State

A course on confronting injustice, examining models of power and authority, theories of change, and the idea of developing a strategic approach to change. The course includes aspects of strategy, planning, resource allocation, building alliances, tactics and implementation

If we seek to change the world around us we must have a clear and strategic understanding of power and how the political environment operates. This means 'politics' in the broader sense: the organizations and institutions of power, the hidden structures of authority and the informal networks that contribute to the inner workings of society.

This course is about confronting injustice, examining models of power and authority, theories of change, and the idea of developing a strategic approach to change. The course includes aspects of strategy, planning, resource allocation, building alliances, tactics and implementation.

Topics

  • Approaches, theories and methods in political science
  • Key thinkers in classical political economy
  • Comparative theories of the state
  • Key concepts such as democracy, the rule of law and human rights
  • Political institutions
  • Building strategies and alliances
  • Political parties
  • New social movements
  • The rise of populism and ‘anti-politics’
  • The future of democratic politics
  Early Registration Offer
Register now and get 50% off the normal price of this course. This offer is limited to the first fifty registrants only.
  COURSE STARTS
 Duration
You will be registered for 12 months from the start of the course. The minimum time necessary to complete the course is 3 months.
  Course Delivery
Course materials such as videos, readings and tasks will be released over the period of your enrollment. Live online seminars are not part of the course content but may be made available as a bonus.
  Course Certificate
You will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.

What's included?

  • 10 main sessions
  • 30+ videos
  • 10 reflective tasks
  • Community discussion
  • 1 assignment
  • Course certificate

BONUS 1

Political Analysis

We make social analysis skills central to all of our learning. This mini-course in Political Analysis provides tools and skills for undertsanding structures of power and oppression. We recommend that you take it alongside the main course.

BONUS 2

Live Seminars

You will get access to regular live online seminars and the opportunity to suggest seminar topics or even take part in presenting a seminar. This bonus comes as part of our Associate Membership package.

BONUS 3

Associate Membership

In addition to access to live seminars, your one-year Associate Membership includes free previews to new courses. It also gives you Workspace tools and apps, including a dedicated email account.
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Course contents

Frequently asked questions

Can I view the course material without taking the assignments?

You do not have to take the assignments at the end of the course, but there are tasks and exercises during the course that are essential to the learning process. You will need to complete these in order to progress.

How long does the course take?

If you go through the sessions week by week and complete everything as quickly as possible, the course will take around three months. However, we give you a year's registration in order to make sure that you have plenty of time.

What do I need to do for the course certificate?

There are two assignments at the end of the course. The first is a learning journal, which will be based on tasks and exercises that you have completed throughout the course. The second is an essay. Additionally, as a prerequisite, you must have successfully completed the accompanying social analysis mini-course.

Do I get feedback during the course?

Yes, you are able to engage with tutors and you will receive help and feedback where needed. We would also encourage you to engage with other learners on the course.
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