2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PIED1100 British Politics

20 creditsClass Size: 240

Module manager: Dr Sean McDaniel
Email: S.McDaniel@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

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? This module aims to provide an introduction to British politics since 1979, 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 may include: Thatcherism; Blairism and New Labour; The Cameron/May Era; Britain and the world in the 20th century; Britain, Europe and Brexit; democracy and the constitution; political parties, parliament and government; elections and voting and mass media. This module 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.

Objectives

On completion of the module, you will be able to make independent assessments of key issues and debates in the study of British government and politics. You will also be able to appraise competing theories, and demonstrate a critical understanding of the variety of source material relating to the subjects studied. This will be achieved through lectures, private study, class discussion, and independent research.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. Demonstrate a familiarity with the concepts, events and institutions of British Politics, and some of the main theoretical approaches to its study.
2. Demonstrate awareness of some of the main debates within the study of British Politics.
3. Rehearse basic arguments and evaluations of the main debates within the study of British Politics.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

1. Retrieve, organise, and produce basic summaries of information and/or data.
2. Assemble basic arguments and be able to evaluate the arguments of others.
3. Work and discuss with others in a collaborative manner.
4. Use digital technologies to retrieve data and information and to communicate this information to others.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

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

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
Assignment	Coursework	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: 28/08/2024

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