Overview

The module introduces the student to the study of politics. We explore a number of important questions, such as: - What is 'politics'? - What is the UK political system and how did it develop? - How do underlying inequalities, contested pasts, and wider issues affect the direction of UK Politics?

Topics - The UK political system - The UK as a multinational state: histories and politics - Inequalities and political change - Devolution and political change - Pluralism and UK Politics - Political Parties - Challenges in the modern UK - UK in a changing world

Skills - Studying politics - Comparison as analysis - Critical reading for Academic study - Essay Writing - Library usage - Notetaking

Assessment Strategy

D/D+/C-/C -threshold -Student's work will display an adequate understanding of the political theories and contacts, use simple comparisons to help explain the contemporary political questions and show basic competence in writing, referencing and discussing on the political issues.

C+/B-/B/B+ -good -Student’s work will display a good understanding of major political theories and concepts and their application to the contemporary political discourse. It will show reflexive competence in the discussion and analysis of the contemporary political issues.

A-/A/A+ -excellent -Student’s work will display the critical thinking and ability to make an academic argument with the use of relevant political theories and use of the empirical evidence. It will show the sophisticated competence in knowledge, writing and referencing.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate familiarity with the workings of the UK political system

• Show independence in researching sources of information relating to the chosen topic

• Understand key political concepts, as covered in the module.

• Understand the nature of the empirical evidence in the academic political debate.