module specification

This module introduces you to an overview of the modern UK political system, reviewing contemporary constitutional and institutional developments both at theoretical and practical level. You will learn about the changing nature of the British politics post 1997 including the impact of devolution and subsequent constitutional reforms on national, sub-national and local political structures and processes. The aim of the module is to critically explore the UK political system in a comparative perspective, positioning UK developments within broader theoretical approaches and practice of contemporary international politics. Furthermore, you will familiarise yourselves with the operation and significance of institutions, actors and drivers underpinning internal and external developments in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, England the UK as a whole.

The module will provide you with a theoretical context and perspectives that will help you understand 1) the role of political institutions and actors (the constitution, parliaments and legislatures, political parties, electoral system, executives, judicial power) and 2) key developments and challenges (i.e., the post Brexit sovereignty conundrum, nationalist movements and national identity, democratic quality and political participation, multi-level governance, reshaping local government and democracy).

You will combine empirical study with the application of a variety of theoretical approaches in the field of political science and international relations. This module anchors your knowledge and understanding of politics in the UK (systems, processes and current issues) within the wider field of politics and international relations.

None. Available for Study Abroad.

An indicative syllabus for the module includes:

1. Theoretical perspectives in studying the new British Politics.

2. The contemporary context (National identity and nationalisms, Society and economy).

3. Institutions: The constitution and the sovereignty conundrum, Executives and legislatures of the UK, The judiciary and the law.

4. Actors: Political parties (Competing ideologies, Party systems and organisation).

5. Political Participation and democratic quality in the UK.

6. Multi-level-governance (Central-local government relations in territorial perspective, UK in the world).

Students will have the opportunity to engage with a variety of learning activities that will be supported by a blended learning approach throughout the module. The main teaching and information delivery will take the form of weekly 1-hour lectures that will be recorded and made available to students.

Additionally, the lectures will be complemented by online learning materials. Following the lectures, students will have the opportunity to engage in weekly interactive student-led seminars that promote a dialogical approach to discussing main module themes from a variety of perspectives. The seminars aim at increasing student confidence and ability to effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis.

Reflective and independent learning will be encouraged throughout: from assessment planning, practical seminar activities and discussion, and through the regular interactive lectures. Students will be required to attend all classes, to engage in the set activities, to prepare in advance by attempting assigned readings, to complete coursework ahead of deadlines and to collect marked work and act on the feedback they receive.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of key features of the UK political and constitutional system (main institutions, actors, drivers for recent developments);
LO2. Critically evaluate recent developments in the UK political system (i.e., devolution, constitutional reform, BREXIT) from various theoretical perspectives;
LO3. Critically analyse and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the UK democracy system;
LO4. Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in various forms to various audiences.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/C3163619-9402-5C0D-5771-5F65B38DD23A.html

In addition to academic learning resources listed above you will be expected to engage with analysis public documents from a range of political institutions across the UK:

▪ Uk House of Commons and the House of Lords
▪ The Scottish Parliament
▪ The Welsh Parliament / Senedd Cymru
▪ The Northern Ireland Assembly
▪ The UK Supreme Court
▪ The UK Government and devolved administrations