What will I learn on this module?
Questions about the concept of crisis and the nature of crisis provide the starting point for this module. It encourages you to build upon the critical understanding of democracy and governance that you gained in Theories and Practices of Democracy at level 5 and Democrats and Dictators at level 4, but approaches the topic from a different perspective. Against this background, you will explore the range of different ways that citizens, particularly as part of organisations and global social movements seek to influence and, in some cases, challenge the state and/or market. In this respect, the concept of civil society and the dynamics of state, market and civil society relationship are central to this module. Using case studies, the module will consider themes such as anti-globalisation and anti-capitalist movements; the politics of pressure, lobbying and campaigning; think tanks; wealth, power and philanthropy; and the politics of “everyday activism” and volunteering.
How will I learn on this module?
The module aims to consolidate your skills in areas such as team work and collaborative research. Weekly lectures will frame the discussion of each case study in the context of relevant concepts, theories and debates. Seminars will follow a more student-led, workshop format. Seminars will also be organised around the case studies. For each theme, you will work as part of a team to research and analyse each case study in more depth. Consolidating your learning at levels four and five, building skills in information retrieval and analysis is central to the approach taken in seminars. Further development of your confidence in synthesising, explaining and discussing information from a range of sources is also a key aim of the approach taken in this module.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Developing your ability to reflect informatively, and think critically about some of the challenges facing democracy in the modern world is central to this module. In this regard, it will enable you to make informed evaluations of some of the major public concerns facing modern democracies. Moreover, as the case studies introduce you to a diverse range of strategies for citizen organising, engagement and political action, the module encourages you to critically consider the different ways in which actors and organisations interpret, and react to political/social events, patterns and issues. In addition to your intellectual development, you will receive support from your peers in the classroom and from the module tutor throughout the module.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Within the context of the state, market-civil society dynamic, to critically analyse, and engage students in debates about crises of governance in modern democracies.
2. To critically analyse and assess the different ways in which citizens participate in modern democracies, drawing upon relevant case studies as appropriate.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. To collaborate with others and to work as part of a team to formulate questions about; critically discuss and evaluate particular case studies, themes and reading.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. To have confidence in your own thinking and assessment of events and issues, but also to be open to challenge and debate too.
How will I be assessed?
The seminar programme will support the formative assessment for this module, allowing for the discussion and evaluation of relevant reading, evidence and case studies (MLO 3). Two essays form the summative assessment for this module. The first essay will assess learning outcomes 1 and 4 (MLO 1, 4) whilst the second essay addresses learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4 (MLO 2).
Pre-requisite(s)
n/a
Co-requisite(s)
n/a
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
UCAS Code L2L2
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Social Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025 or September 2026
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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