The dissertation is a compulsory element of the Scandinavian Studies degree. It is an original academic work on a topic completely of your choosing. You can...

Dissertation in Scandinavian Studies (SCAN0036)

The dissertation is a compulsory element of the Scandinavian Studies degree. It is an original academic work on a topic completely of your choosing. You can write on any topic you like (so long as a staff member is willing to supervise it) but are encouraged to write on a topic relating to your specialism (the language, literature, culture, history etc. of the Scandinavian country you have focused on during your studies).

Students decide on a topic and find a supervisor by the end of the first term of their final year. They then research their project over the remaining part of their final year and submit their dissertation as per deadline.

Writing a dissertation gives you an opportunity to pursue a topic of interest to you in depth; to produce work that is based on original research; and to develop your research techniques and skills in academic writing. It can be one of the most satisfying parts of the degree and you can use it to draw together knowledge you have acquired over the course of your studies. A successful dissertation may well form the starting point for further, more independent work at the postgraduate level, and it will be seen as an important indicator of an aptitude for research

What is social justice? Why should we redistribute wealth in society? Is equality something we ought to aim for? If so, what kind of equality? This module...

Contemporary Political Philosophy II (PUBL0072)

What is social justice? Why should we redistribute wealth in society? Is equality something we ought to aim for? If so, what kind of equality? This module explores these and other questions through the lens of analytical political philosophy. We will critically examine some of the most influential answers provided by contemporary political philosophers, such as John Rawls, G. A. Cohen, Robert Nozick, and Elizabeth Anderson (this list may vary depending on developments in research and the interests of the class). In doing so, we will explore a range of issues, such as the scope of justice, the value of equality, the ownership of natural resources, and the role of individual responsibility.

The course is taught through a weekly lecture and seminar. The lecture will provide an overview of the week’s topic. The seminars are entirely dedicated to student-led discussion of the weekly topic.

By the end of the module, you should:
• have a good understanding of the key works on social justice and equality in contemporary political philosophy;
• be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various theories and arguments;
• be able to critically examine texts in political theory;
• have developed your ability to form philosophical arguments and communicate those arguments both orally and in writing.

Depending on your background knowledge, you might find it helpful to consult one or more of the sources below before the start of the term. They can all be found in the UCL Library, and the first two are available online via UCL Library:
• Swift, A. (2013) Political Philosophy: A Beginners' Guide for Students and Politicians, Pts. 1 and 3.
• Kymlicka, W. (2002) Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Introduction, Chs. 3 & 4.