Ideas and Politics in Contemporary Britain

Code

POLI3056

School

Politics and International Relations

Level

3

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

The aim of this module is to explain and assess the nature, role and significance of political ideas and ideologies in contemporary Britain. It examines how and why the policies and practices of the 'mainstream' British parties (Conservative, Labour, Liberal and Liberal Democrats) have been informed by ideas and ideologies, on the one hand, and pragmatic and electoral considerations, on the other. It also examines the political ideas and practices of ‘non-mainstream’ parties and social movements (including environmentalism and feminism) and their role and significance for the study and practice of politics in contemporary Britain.

Target Students

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

Classes

This module is taught through lectures and seminars.

Assessment

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

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding: 
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
• Apply concepts, theories and methods used in the study of politics to the analysis of political ideas, institutions and practices.  
• Evaluate different interpretations of political issues and events. 

Intellectual and transferable skills: 
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
• Gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information gathered from primary and secondary sources. 
• Apply political ideas to policy and practice in contemporary Britain. 

Professional and practical skills 
By the end of the module, students will be able to:        
• Undertake research, using evidence, ideas, theories and concepts to construct and develop arguments.  
• Write and present work clearly, coherently and professionally within the conventions of the discipline. 
• Improve their organisational and time management skills, including setting objectives and meeting deadlines. 

Digital competencies: 
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
• Use of IT to retrieve information. 
• Use of IT to present information. 
• Use of digital search engines. 
• Develop web literacy by accessing and using on-line resources.

Conveners

• Dr Christopher Byrne
• Dr Andrew Denham