PIR-30117 - Module Specification
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

The high profile of the U.S. presidency is undeniable. Whether occupied by an Obama, Trump or Biden, the office is also perceived as one of the most powerful institutions in the world. Yet, in a political system designed around a separation of powers, the capacity to lead is not guaranteed. This module allows you to consider the different techniques presidents use to lead and whether those techniques work.
The module is taught in two-hour seminars and is assessed by two case studies to be chosen by, and researched by, the student. The case studies are an opportunity to examine presidential leadership in a series of policy areas of your choice.

This module aims to equip students with,
a. knowledge of academic studies of the U.S. presidency
b. the capacity to apply the models outlined in those studies
c. the capacity to evaluate those studies' strengths and weaknesses.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Apply political science theory to classify presidential behaviours.
: 1,2
Write short, direct reports on the results of their research.
: 1,2
Offer informed analysis on the capacity of presidents to pursue particular strategies of policy leadership.
: 1,2
Identify strengths and weaknesses in theories of presidential leadership.
: 1,2
Pursue independent research on presidential conduct in a policy area of their choice.: 1,2

Study hours

Seminars: 22 hours
Seminar Preparation (including 4 x 30 mins pre-recorded videos as Active Learning Hours): 48 hours
Assessment Preparations: 80 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment