2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PIED1100 British Politics

20 creditsClass Size: 260

Module manager: Dr Alexandra Meakin
Email: A.Meakin@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

How can we understand the tumultuous last decade of UK politics? Why were there three Prime Ministers in 2022? Why did the UK vote for Brexit and what impact has it had on the country? Can the United Kingdom survive? To what extent was 'New Labour' either new or Labour? Did Margaret Thatcher save Britain from terminal decline? The module aims to provide an introduction to British politics since 1979, complementing a chronological analysis with a focus on key debates about democracy; the social and economic context of politics; political ideas and party alignments; and Britain’s role in Europe. Topics covered include Parliament and Government; Party Politics; National Identity and the Union; the causes and consequences of Brexit; May, Johnson, Truss and Sunak; and Corbyn and Starmer. It provides a foundation for further study of British politics at levels 2 and 3, where key themes - notably the UK Parliament, British Foreign Policy, the role of the media, and the future of the United Kingdom - 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 Politics students will find an opportunity to extend the breadth and depth of their knowledge.

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 1979, complementing a chronological analysis with a focus on key debates about democracy, the social and economic context of politics; political ideas and party alignments; and Britain’s role in Europe.

Syllabus

Democracy and the Constitution
Parliament and Government
Party Politics
National Identity and the Union
Britain and the European Union
Brexit: causes and consequences
Thatcher and Major
Blair and Brown
Cameron and the coalition
May, Johnson, Truss and Sunak
Corbyn and Starmer

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

1 x 1000 word non-assessed formative essay handed in week 7

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 2000 (End of Term Essay)	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		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: 27/10/2023 15:26:02

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