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2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PIED1100 British Politics

20 creditsClass Size: 240

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

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2022/23

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 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 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. 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.

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, 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.
Syllabus

Thatcherism
New Labour
Cameron and May
British Foreign Policy
Britain, Europe and Brexit
Democracy and the Constitution
Political Parties
Parliament and Government
Politics of National Identity
Mass Media
Elections and Voting

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture112.0022.00
Seminar111.0011.00
Private study hours167.00
Total Contact hours33.00
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 typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay1 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: 29/04/2022 15:29:43

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