POLI 213: The United Kingdom: State, Politics and Policies

Terms:

Michaelmas and Lent

Course Teachers:

Professor David Denver (convenor)

Dr Mark Garnett

Objectives:

The course aims to deepen students' understanding of the major ideas, arrangements, policies and controversies which have characterised post-war British politics.

Structure:

The course examines the evolution of the politics of the United Kingdom from an era broadly characterised by consensus and stability (1945-70) to one which has proved much more turbulent in a variety of ways (1970 onwards). This examination is set within the context of rival political traditions and of competing theories of representative government. Topics covered in the first term include changes in electoral behaviour and developments in the political parties, as well as consideration of the problems of governing the component parts of the United Kingdom ( Scotland , Wales , Northern Ireland ). In the second term the focus is on the key institutions of central government (Parliament and the executive) and on the UK 's changing relationship with Europe . The last part of the course examines the development of public policy in the areas of welfare and the economy.

Assessment:

Examination and coursework constitute respectively 60% and 40% of the final assessment. Coursework consists of two essays of 3,000 words.

Teaching Method:

One lecture and one seminar per week.

Introductory Reading :

Beer S H , Britain Against Itself: the Political Contradictions of Collectivism

Budge I et al, The New British Politics

Denver D, Elections and Voters in Britain

Dunleavy P et al (eds), Developments in British Politics 8

Fisher J et al (eds), Central Debates in British Politics

Garnett M & Lynch P, Exploring British Politics

Richards D & Smith M, Governance and Public Policy in the UK

Available in 2009-10

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