PO2BGP-British Government and Politics
Module Provider: Politics and Int Rel
Number of credits: 20 [10ECTS credits]
Terms in which taught: Autumn, Spring and Summer
Module Convenor: Dr
PJ
Giddings
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9
Email: p.j.giddings@reading.ac.uk
Aims:
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the evolution and development of the current British political system and culture.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the student's effectiveness in group situations. Students will also develop their IT skills by using internet resources and web-sites as part of their research.
Outline content:
As background the module examines Britain's political culture and development, building upon the ground laid in Part One. The module then focuses upon the key political institutions and processes, such as voting, the electoral system, parties, interest groups, the bureaucracy and the political executive. There is a particular, but not exclusive, focus upon the way these institutions and processes have evolved in the period since 1960.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
A combination of lectures and classes requiring preparatory reading and research and structured group discussion; a project involving use of the internet; oral presentations and written essays. Two revision classes in the summer term.
Contact hours:
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Lectures | 10 | ||
| Tutorials/seminars | 8 | 6 | |
| Practicals | |||
| Other contact (eg study visits) | 2 | ||
| Total hours | 18 | 6 | 2 |
| Number of essays or assignments | 1 | 1 | |
| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
Assessment:
Coursework:
Students will write two c3000 word essays on selected topics. Students will also make two oral outline presentations which will form the basis of class discussion. The coursework mark will be the higher of (a) the average of the two essay marks OR (b) the mark for the second essay if it is higher than the first.
Relative percentage of coursework: 25%
Penalties for late submission: In accordance with University policy a penalty of a reduction of 10 marks to essays which are submitted up to one week after the original deadline, and a zero mark thereafter will be applied.
Examinations: One three-hour examination.
Requirements for a pass: 40% overall and a mark of not less than 35% in the examination.
Reassessment arrangements: Re-examination in August/September. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted by 1 August.
Visiting Students: Visiting students taking this module who opt not to take the examination will be required to submit a total of 12,000 words written work in accordance with arrangements made by the module convenor.