British Party Politics

Code

POLI2009

School

Politics and International Relations

Level

2

Credits

20

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

Political parties are central to the British political system. Despite persistent criticism, and perennial claims of their ‘decline’, parties are an essential component of any student’s understanding of British politics and remain the central means by which the electorate passes judgement on the government. This module examines the structures, ideologies, and fortunes of British political parties.

Target Students

Available to Year 2 UG students in the School of Politics and International Relations on single and joint honours plans. Also available to Year 2 UG students on the Philosophy, Politics and Economics plan, incoming exchange students based in the School of Politics and International Relations, and Ningbo International Studies students.

Classes

This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: 2,000 word essay
• 50% Report 1: 2,000-word research report

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding 
* The nature of the British party system
* The structures of, and distribution of power within, the major political parties
* The nature of electoral competition between British parties
 

Intellectual and Transferable Skills 
* Critically analysing differing academic viewpoints
 

Professional/Practical Skills
* Processing large amounts of information. 
* Writing clearly structured, well-argued, and professionally presented academic work. 
 

Transferable and Key Skills
* Time management 
* Ability to analyse and critically evaluate competing and conflicting sources
* Ability to construct logical and coherent arguments
 

Conveners

• Dr Andrew Denham