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Semester 2

Introduction to British Politics (PLIT08016)

Subject

Politics

College

CAHSS

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

1

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

**Please see Additional Restrictions below**

Course Summary

This course is a broad introduction to the government and politics of the United Kingdom. Going beyond the usual textbook explanations, it considers whether there is any future for a UK faced with the prospect of Scottish succession, the complexities of Brexit, and the economic pressures of globalization and inequality. We will study the central political institutions of the UK (Parliament, the core executive, the judiciary) and consider the extent to which they have been affected by voter apathy, devolution, and the fragmentation of the party system. Students will acquire a good knowledge of how the British system of government works and the major challenges it faces. The course serves very well as both a stand-alone introduction to British politics for all Edinburgh students and as a useful (but not required) starting point for further study of British politics in the School of Social and Political Science.

Course Description

This course provides a detailed but accessible introduction to the government and politics of the United Kingdom. We will study the main political institutions of the UK and how they have been affected by devolution, voter apathy and the increasing fragmentation of the party system. Does Parliament matter or does it merely approve decisions taken elsewhere? Does the Prime Minister dominate the British system? Will Brexit lead to the break-up of the UK? Why do people vote UKIP? Each week, students will be introduced to important institutions and debates in the study of British government. We will consider, in particular: the British parliamentary state and the enduring influence of the Westminster Model; the peculiar nature of the constitution; the management of the (increasingly) multi-national nature of the UK; and the explanations for and impact of the vote for Brexit. The course aims to give students the knowledge to be able to take part in informed debates about the politics of the UK. They will be able to place current developments in context and assess the extent to which the UK provides an example of a state that is dealing well with the challenges of governing in the twenty-first century.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 50%, Coursework 40%, Practical Exam 10%

Additional Restrictions

Unless you are nominated on a Politics exchange agreement, visiting students are only permitted to enrol in one Politics course each, per semester, before the start of the relevant semester’s welcome period – and spaces on each course are limited so cannot be guaranteed for any student. Enrolment in a second Politics course will depend on whether there are still spaces available in the January Welcome Period, and cannot be guaranteed. It is NOT appropriate for students to contact staff within this subject area to ask for an exception to be made; all enquiries to enrol in these courses must be made through the CAHSS Visiting Student Office. This is due to the limited number of spaces available in this very popular subject area.

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