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Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


PL50768: Britain and Europe

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 2
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 100%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
This course seeks to familiarise students with some key issues in British history and contemporary politics, especially in relation to the question of Britain's past, present and future relations with 'Europe' and the wider world.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course students should be especially familiar with:
i) The development and workings of the British political system;
ii) Debates about British identity in a historical context, and more specifically the development of party and public opinion towards 'Europe' since 1945;
iii) Debates about whether/why Britain has been an 'awkward partner' in Europe, and its relations with the wider world (including the US 'special partnership').
iv) Debates about the peculiarities of the British economy in a historical context, and more specific recent focus on issue such as Britain remaining outside the eurozone.

Skills:

* Ability to select and use appropriate ideas to produce a coherent response to a pre-set question.
* Ability to select, summarise and synthesise written information from multiple sources.
* Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and models.
* Ability to engage in effective oral academic communication.
* Ability to work to specifications and meet deadlines.

Content:
This unit follows a largely chronological approach to the changing relations between Britain, Europe and the USA, especially in the post-1945 period. Although the lectures will largely follow chronology, the unit will engage in various key theoretical debates about the nature of international relations and the driving forces behind European integration. The basic teaching format will involve sessions which mix lecture-style presentation with interactive discussion/student presentation.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

PL50768 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • THPL-AFM11 : MA Contemporary European Politics (Full-time)
  • THPL-AFM16 : MA Contemporary European Studies: Politics Policy and Society (Full-time)
  • THPL-AFM17 : MA Contemporary European Studies (with transatlantic track) (Full-time)
  • THPL-AFL11 : PG Dip Contemporary European Politics (Full-time)

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.