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Summer School: Politics

Browse our Politics modules below. If you’re unsure what to study this summer, follow our top tips for how to choose a module.

Module information

Choose from a variety of modules:

Session Two 

• A Post-Liberal World?

  Module code: IS444

  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.

  Learning outcomes:

  • Critically analyse and communicate ideas about how liberal political theory and its methodology has changed and adapted throughout history
  • 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
  • Analyse the concept of a ‘post-liberal world’ and critically evaluate whether the implications of moving towards this should be embraced
  • Develop sophisticated and critical arguments and communicate these through written expression.

  Teaching method: Lectures, seminars and tutorials
  Assessment: 100% essay
  Contact hours: 40 hours 
  Credits: 15 Sussex Credits
  Level: 4

Session dates

• Session One: 30 June - 18 July 2025
• Session Two: 21 July - 8 August 2025

Not sure how to choose?

Follow our top tips for choosing your modules. You can also find out about our teaching structure, assessment process and how your credits transfer back to your home institution.

Which school will I study in?

You'll study in the politics department, which is part of the School of Law, Politics and Sociology.

You will benefit from our staff’s research focus, with the department hosting two world-leading research centres: the Sussex Centre for the Study of Corruption and the Sussex European Institute. The department also specialises in international politics, European politics and the study of corruption.

Our politics research

Research at the Department of Politics is comparative, international, interdisciplinary and at the cutting edge. Our research covers Europe, Britain and the international dimension. Find out more.

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• fees and costs
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• how to apply.