To analyse the context of British politics;

To understand the key ideological and policy approaches of British political parties;

To examine the basis of British electoral choice;

To explore the wider context of British politics, in terms of Atlanticist and European relationships.

(LO1) To encourage students to think analytically about the British political system and engage with the academic literature.

(LO2) To analyse the major British political events and how they have affected or been shaped by the political system.

(LO3) To develop students' written and oral skills.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - presentation skills - written.

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - presentation skills – oral.

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - listening skills.

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - evaluation.

(S5) Information skills - critical reading.

The module explores key aspects of British politics. It contextualises political developments; assesses the electoral and political strategies of the main parties, examines the basis of electoral choice and explores recent changes in UK political structures.

Topics covered during this module may include:

The Conservative Party 1945-1997;

The Conservative Party since 1997;

Old Labour;

New Labour;

The Liberal Democrats;

Nationalism in British politics;

Voting behaviour 1;

Voting behaviour II;

Media and politics;

Rhetoric and British politics;

Britain in the world.

Seminars:

The Conservative Party; The Labour Party; a) Liberal Democrats b) Nationalist Parties;

Voting Behaviour; a) Rhetoric b) media c) gender.

Britain and the world.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: The lectures provide a framework for the module and highlight material for more detailed analysis in seminars and in the assessments (for the coming year, these will be available as videos on Canvas).
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: To inculcate relevant information on a topic-by-topic weekly basis in accordance with the syllabus

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: To discuss aspects of the lecture and relevant topics more broadly in smaller-sized groups
Attendance Recorded: Yes