Politics 3: Issues in British Politics POLITIC3020

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Social and Political Sciences
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 3 (SCQF level 9)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course will introduce students to a range of issues found in the study of British politics, including institutional and ideological frameworks, the main UK political parties, environment policy, Britain's relationship with the EU, and Britain's place in the world.

Timetable

Seminar: two hours per week, for 10 weeks

Requirements of Entry

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Grade D3 in Politics 2A and Politics 2B.

Excluded Courses

Issues in British Politics (POLITIC4009)

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Blogpost (Report) of 1,500 words (30%)

Essay of 3,500 words (70%)

Course Aims

This course aims to deepen student knowledge of a range of issues in British Politics, including The British Political Tradition, the legacy of the post-war consensus (c.1945-1979), the rethinking of the state under the Thatcher governments 1979 -1990 and beyond, Conservative Party and Labour Party repositioning, constitutional reform by act of parliament (1997-present), the undoing of UK membership of the European Union, Britain's role in the world, and the extent to which a coherent policy on climate change and the environment has been achieved by successive governments are all considered.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Analyse key developments in British politics since 1979

■ Discuss these developments in their historical context, 1945-present

■ Apply knowledge gained from the above to identify possible future developments

■ Demonstrate familiarity with a range of scholarly literature on British politics

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.