2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PIED3170 The End of British Politics?

20 creditsClass Size: 45

Module manager: Dr Stuart McAnulla
Email: S.D.McNulla@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module investigates to what extent British politics is undergoing transformation. To this end, the module considers the key relationships in British politics and how these have changed in recent years. We analyse the impact of changes associated with processes such as 'the end of ideology', constitutional reform and the 'modernisation' of the British state. Furthermore we examine the changing role of interrelationships between British society and key public institutions, including the 'decline' of political parties and the rise of protest movements. We examine the impact of New Labour on public policy and new forms of governance.The module considers question such as:Is there still meaningful ideological conflict in British politics?To what extent are constitutional reforms empowering citizens?Is the British state breaking-up from within? For further information see the School of Politics and International Studies website. If you cannot find the answer to your question then email S.D.McAnulla@leeds.ac.uk

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

- Demonstrate knowledge of and critically evaluate competing theories and models of British politics;
- Demonstrate familiarity with key developments and recent trends in British politics;
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of theoretical and empirical literatures on key topics in British politics;
- Relate specialized knowledge of specific 'topics' to broader developments within British politics;
- Produce coherent and structured written work on contemporary British politics.

Syllabus

This module investigates to what extent British politics is undergoing transformation. This includes consideration of whether, and to what extent, the British state is being 'hollowed-out' by external and internal change. To this end, the module considers the key relationships in British politics and how these have changed in recent years. The impact of changes associated with processes such as globalisation, governance and devolution are analysed with reference to competing models and conceptualizations of British politics. We examine the changing role of interrelationships between civil society and key public institutions. Relatedly, issues regarding the decline of political parties and arguments regarding 'post-ideological' politics are examined.

The module considers question such as:
- Are processes associated with Globalisation and 'EUisation' making the British state increasingly irrelevant?
- Is British Government now merely a 'bit player' in the policy process?
- Is the British state breaking-up from within?

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			178.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Seminar preparation: 66 hours;
Reading on specialist topics: 112 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

1 x 2000 word non-assessed essay.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	3,000 words	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 03/04/2009

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