2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PIED1100 British Politics

20 creditsClass Size: 300

Module manager: Dr Victoria Honeyman
Email: V.C.Honeyman@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

What problems have emerged as a consequence of coalition government? To what extent was 'New Labour' either new or Labour?- Is it Britain's destiny to be always the 'awkward partner' of Europe?- Did Mrs Thatcher save Britain from terminal decline?- How democratic is Britain? The module aims to provide an introduction to British politics since 1945, focussing on key debates about the changing character and conduct of politics; the social and economic context of politics; political ideas and party alignments; Britain’s international position and constitutional developments. Topics covered include: the postwar consensus; Thatcherism; Blairism and New Labour; The Cameron Era; Britain and the world in the 20th century; Britain and the EU; social context of British politics; mass media and politics; democracy in Britain; constitutional reform and the future of the UK.It provides a foundation for further study of British politics at levels 2 and 3, where key themes - notably British central government, electoral politics, party politics and British foreign policy - can be studied in depth in specialist modules. Those with little or no knowledge of British politics are encouraged to take this opportunity to increase their knowledge base . A-level students will find an opportunity to extend the breadth and depth of their knowledge.Short Reading List:Marsh, D. (et al) (1999) Postwar British Politics In Perspective, Cambridge: Polity Gamble, A. (1988) The Free Economy and the Strong State, London: MacMillan Morgan, K. (1999) The People’s Peace, Oxford: Oxford University Press Kavanagh D and Morris D (1994) Consensus Politics, Oxford: Blackwell.

Objectives

On completion of the module, students should:
- be able to make independent assessments of key issues and debates in the study of British government and politics,
- be able to appraise competing theories, and
- demonstrate a critical understanding of the variety of source material relating to the subjects studied.

Syllabus

The module aims to provide an introduction to British politics since 1945, focussing on key debates about the changing character and conduct of politics; the social and economic context of politics; political ideas and party alignments; Britain’s international position and constitutional developments. Topics covered include: the postwar consensus; Thatcherism; Blairism and New Labour; The Cameron Era; Britain and the world in the 20th century; Britain and the EU; social context of British politics; mass media and politics; democracy in Britain; constitutional reform and the future of the UK.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	2.00	22.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			167.00
Total Contact hours			33.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Students will be required to prepare for discussions in seminars through extensive reading of sources listed on the module reading list. In addition to this, students should spend time preparing for their assessments which should include finding and using sources not listed on their reading list.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

One 1,500 word non-assessed essay handed in week eight

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

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: 26/04/2017

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