A Post-Liberal World

About

In the 21st century, the challenges facing liberal democracies are unique and wide-ranging. The challenges to the liberal world are thought no longer to be external, much like the challenges to liberal democratic states from Fascist and Communist ideologies in the previous century. Rather, there are reasons to explore the possibility that the very “achievements” of Liberalism, for example, the freedoms individuals now enjoy as a result of living within liberal democratic societies, have mutated. This means that the way these freedoms have been expressed, or the justifications of these freedoms and government attitudes associated with them are no longer relevant in the modern era. Subsequently, it could be that liberal values and norms pertaining to political authority, and the justification of individual freedoms, have overrun their social purpose. This may threaten to undermine the legitimacy of liberal societies themselves. If this is true, then the case for moving towards a post-liberal world, or indeed, the reality that we already on this trajectory or at the end of it, is strengthened.

In this module, students will interrogate these issues from the perspective of Political Theory, and examine the extent to which we are moving to a post-liberal world. Primarily, the module will explore whether the claim that we are moving towards a post-liberal world is true. Encompassed within this interrogation, students will look at real world political problems and trends that make this trajectory possible, as well as what form a post-liberal world might take, and whether this is desirable. Students will be encouraged to argue critically as to whether a post-liberal world is desirable or not, and explore the ways through which this might be prevented. This will culminate in a critical analysis of the ways in which liberal theory could be re-imagined or justified to respond to modern world issues.

On top of informative lectures, the chief way in which these themes will be addressed is through close readings, and eleven two-hour, discussion-based seminars. These will critique and evaluate modern concepts in Political Theory, and draw upon cutting-edge research in the discipline. Through these seminars, the question of whether we are heading towards or existing within a post-liberal world will be consistently referred to, and critically evaluated. This module should appeal to any student with an interest in Politics, Political Theory, or those with an interest in the Social Sciences more generally. A previous understanding or experience of the themes this module addresses is not required to select this module.

Target group

This module should appeal to any student with an interest in Politics, Political Theory, or those with an interest in the Social Sciences more generally. A previous understanding or experience of the themes this module addresses is not required to select this module

Course aim

1. Critically analyse and communicate ideas about how liberal political theory and its methodology has changed and adapted throughout history

2. Show awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of liberal theory, and debate about how academic and real-world challenges to the perspective might be addressed

3. Analyse the concept of a ‘post-liberal world’ and critically evaluate whether the implications of moving towards this should be embraced

4. Develop sophisticated and critical arguments and communicate these through written expression.

Fee info

The full cost of one 3-week Undergraduate Summer School session will be £2,645. Early applications will receive a 20% reduction on tuition fees, making the overall cost of one 3-week Undergraduate Summer School session £2320. If you wish to study for both sessions, we welcome you to do so. This is made up of Tuition fees of £1,625 per session including all teaching and assessment for one module of study. Where field trips or course excursions are required then the cost of this is included in the tuition fee, however travel costs may be required. A minimum of 150 study hours, with a minimum of 40 hours class/teaching contact hours. Modules formally approved for 15 Sussex credits, equivalent to 7.5 ECTS or 3 – 4 US credits. You will receive a transcript of studies upon successful completion of the module (including meeting all attendance and assessment requirements). The accommodation and student life programme fee of £1,020 per session includes your own bedroom in on-campus student village. These are a mixture of en-suite flats and standard flats with shared facilities. You will receive a bedding pack of duvet and duvet cover, sheet, towel, pillow, and pillowcase, as well as a kitchen pack containing everything you need for self-catering. The fee includes a programme of campus social events and activities throughout each session. Excursions and social programme trips will also be provided on Fridays.