Introductory description

This is a module about politics and power in the United Kingdom. It has perhaps never been more important, or exciting, to deepen our understanding of politics in the UK. Recent years have seen an upheaval in the major political parties, a major financial crisis and the deployment of austerity policies, an increased use in referendums to address major constitutional questions, and revived protest politics on both the left and the right. This module takes a systematic approach to understand all of these changes, combining both historical and comparative lenses to illuminate contemporary UK politics.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Weeks 1 to 13 will present a historical and institutional overview of UK Politics. First, a historical overview will be presented, including the post-war consensus, Thatcherism, New Labour, the coalition government and devolution. Then, the students will be familiarised with the institutional context of UK politics, including elections, parties, the core executive, parliament, and other avenues of political influence. Weeks 14 to 20 will discuss current policy debates, including race, class, gender, sexuality, austerity, Brexit, globalisation, and foreign policy.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate familiarity with the constitutional apparatus of UK politics
• Show an awareness of rival interpretations of the current state of politics in the UK
• Show an ability to examine the politics of the UK within a comparative context
• Show an awareness of the most important political constraints affecting the conduct of UK government in a range of policy sectors
• Show an appreciation of the extent to which UK politics are affected by external economic and political constraints
• Show an understanding of the role played by gender, class and race in the shaping of politics of the UK.

Indicative reading list

tbc

Subject specific skills

The module provides students with opportunities to acquire or develop the following key skills:
Understanding of the political system of the United Kingdom
Political research
Comparative research
Producing literature reviews

Transferable skills

The module provides students with opportunities to acquire or develop the following key skills:

Communication skills, including both written and oral presentation skills
Lateral thinking skills
Skills in the distillation and application of complex information and ideas
Critical thinking
Analytical skills
Independent research skills
Problem solving
Time management
Information Technology
Skills in academic practice
Awareness of, and sensitivity to, diversity
Decision making
Assessing and managing information