Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module POLI3161: CONTEMPORARY BRITISH POLITICS

Department: GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (POLITICS)

POLI3161: CONTEMPORARY BRITISH POLITICS

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2006/07 Module Cap 60. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • The British Political System (POLI2101).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The module will enable students to develop a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of a range of controversial issues and significant developments in contemporary British Politics and Government through reflection on competing theoretical perspectives and recent empirical research.
  • Students will build upon previous work in areas such as political ideas, political theory, political institutions, comparative government, public policy, and so on, to further develop their analytical and presentational skills.

Content

  • The module will concentrate on controversial issues and significant developments in contemporary British Politics and Government.
  • Students will build upon previous work in areas such as political ideas, political theory, political institutions, comparative government, public policy, and so on, to further develop their analytical and presentational skills.
  • An important element of the module will be to identify linkages between the historical and cultural past, present day problems and perspectives, and possible - or probable - future developments.
  • Another will be to consider differing perceptions of the overall efficacy of the British political system and associated arguments for and against reform.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • .
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • .

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Seminars 14 Spread evenly 2 hours 28
      Preparation and Reading 172
      Total 200

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Essays Component Weighting: 100%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      essay 1 3000 words 50%
      essay 2 3000 words 50%

      Formative Assessment:

      1 essay, 2 seminar presentations

      ■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University