Politics BA (Hons)
Bachelor's degree
In Liverpool
Description
-
Type
Bachelor's degree
-
Location
Liverpool
This flexible and broad programme explores the different approaches in political science in a range of national and international settings. You will explore political ideas, systems and processes and you will learn how to collect data, develop knowledge and construct arguments. There is an emphasis on developing your communication skills. You will be introduced to the building blocks of political studies, and no prior specialist knowledge is required. Based on academic performance, third year students studying Politics at Single Honours or as a Major may apply to take part in the Parliamentary Placement Scheme. The placement will be fully assessed through a combination of a reflective diary and a long essay, and will develop key skills and subject knowledge and increase employability. Further details of the Parliamentary Placement Scheme are available at www.liverpool.ac.uk/politics Choosing this subject as a Single Honours Choosing this subject as a MajorThis flexible and broad programme explores the different approaches in political science in a range of national and international settings. You will explore political ideas, systems and processes and you will learn how to collect data, develop knowledge and construct arguments. There is an emphasis on developing your communication skills. You will be introduced to the building blocks of political studies, and no prior specialist knowledge is required. Based on academic performance, third year students studying Politics at Single Honours or as a Major may apply to take part in the Parliamentary Placement Scheme. The placement will be fully assessed through a combination of a reflective diary and a long essay, and will develop key skills and subject knowledge and increase employability. Further details of the Parliamentary...
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
If you’re considering this subject as a combination within Honours Select, please refer to our Honours Select page for further information about entry requirements. Entry Requirements A level offerABB BTECApplications considered. BTEC applications are encouraged. We evaluate each BTEC application on its merits and may make offers at DDM, with 100 out of 180 credits at Distinction. International Baccalaureate33 points no less than category 4 Irish Leaving CertificateA1, A1, B1,...
Reviews
Subjects
- Politics
- Credit
- Basic
- IT
- Basic IT training
- Basic IT
- Political Science
- International Politics
- European Politics
- Performance
- Communication Skills
- International
- British Politics
- Systems
- Employability
- Communication Training
- IT Development
- Skills and Training
Course programme
8 modules (120 CATS points)
- 6 in Politics
- Up to 2 modules outside of Politics
-
British Politics (POLI101)
Level
1
Credit level
15
Semester
First Semester
Exam:Coursework weighting
60:40
Aims
To analyse the context of British Politics
To understand the key ideological and policy approaches of British political parties
To examine the basis of British electoral choice
To explore the wider context of British politics, in terms of Atlanticist and European relationships
To develop an understanding of the main actors and key institutions in British Politics.
To encourage students to think analytically about the British political system
To develop analysis of the major British political events and how they have affected the political system.
To develop students'' written and presentation skills.
-
British Politics Ii (POLI102)
Level
1
Credit level
15
Semester
Second Semester
Exam:Coursework weighting
50:50
Aims
To examine the distribution of power in Britain and the operation of power within the contemporary British state.
To outline the traditional conception of the British political system as the ‘Westminster Model’ and consider the extent to which this conception has been undermined in recent decades.
To introduce the principal ''theories of the state'' and illustrate their application to the study of the British political system.
To provide an overview of the key institutional components of the British political system (such as the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Parliament, the civil service, local government and devolved institutions)
To highlight key currents in political participation and accountability in Britain.
To illustrate how economic and political decision making ‘outside’ the UK nation state impacts on political power in Britain.
Learning Outcomes You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the key controversies associated with the distribution of power in Britain.
You will b e able to discuss the formal and informal structure and operation of power both within and beyond the contemporary British state.
You will be able to outline the key elements of the ''Westminster Model’ and debate its validity as a description of the location and structuring of power in the British political system today.
You will be able to debate how political participation and accountability impact on the exercise of power in British politics.
You will be able to discuss the ways in which economic and political decision making ‘outside’ the UK nation state impacts on political power in Britain.
-
Foundations In International Politics (POLI104)
Level
1
Credit level
15
Semester
Second Semester
Exam:Coursework weighting
80:20
Aims
The principal objective of this module is to provide introductory foundations to the study of international politics by introducing the main theories and approaches
To provide an overview of the major developments of international politics since the 20th century, paying particular attention to the Cold War and its aftermath.
To offer brief introductions to four main issues of international politics: globalisation, Europeanisation and regional integration, environmentalism and poverty and development.
Learning OutcomesBy the end of the module students should have an introductory understanding of the main theories of international politics, a basic knowledge of the main historical developments of international politics in the 20th century and a foundational understanding of some of the main issues in international politics.
This will include:
An understanding of what is meant by realism, liberalism, Marxism and constructivism as approaches to the analysis of international politics. The ability to apply the main approaches to the understanding of different historical phases of and issues in international politics.
A knowledge of the main contours of the 20th century history of international politics, particularly in relation to the Cold War and its aftermath.
The delivery of short, small-group presentations conveying information and ideas succinctly and effectively
Written communication conveying information and ideas, organised to form sustained arguments
-
European Politics I (POLI107)
Level
1
Credit level
15
Semester
First Semester
Exam:Coursework weighting
80:20
Aims
To provide an introduction to European politics by focusing on key contemporary issues while introducing some basic concepts of political science encountered in studying this subject
To examine key challenges encountered when attempting to define and conceptualise Europe
To develop understanding of key debates around status of democracy and crisis of the nation-state in the European context
To examine salient transversal themes encountered in the politics of Europe, such as integration, international migration and security
Learning OutcomesAn understanding of the historical development and contemporary practice of European politics
A working knowledge of the principles underlying political processes and systems (electoral systems and party systems) and how they operate in the European political space
An understanding of the political importance of different government structures (parliaments, the executive) at national and regional (EU) levelsA knowledge of the challenges posed by contemporary political trends to European nation-states and European integration
-
European Politics Ii (POLI108)
Level
1
Credit level
15
Semester
Second Semester
Exam:Coursework weighting
75:25
Aims
To introduce students to the distinctive characteristics of political institutions in selected European states
To introduce the main features of political development in a range of European countries
To provide a basis for comparison between different European political systems
Learning OutcomesKnowledge of key features of contemporary European political systems in a range of countries
Analytical understanding of processes of democratisation in southern and eastern Europe
Ability to compare and contrast forms of executive leadership, party systems, state institutions and the political evolution of European political systems since the latter half of the nineteenth century
-
Foundations In Politics (POLI109)
Level
1
Credit level
15
Semester
First Semester
Exam:Coursework weighting
70:30
Aims
This course aims to introduce students to some key questions in political science, to methods of political analysis and to the foundations of politics that make it a distinct subject from other disciplines. The key aim of the course is to make students reflect on how societies are and should be governed. The course will familiarise students with a variety of concepts and theoretical approaches to political science, in order to assist them in the study of sub-national, national and international politics. In effect, this course aims to provide students with a ''political science conceptual and theoretical tool box'' that will assist you in the study of all modules throughout the three years of the degree. It is for this reason that the course is entitled ''Foundations in Politics''.
Learning OutcomesAcquired a working knowledge and understanding of the nature and significance of politics as a human activity;
A knowledge of the basic concepts of political analysis
Development of the capacity among students to evaluate different interpretations of political issues and events;
Facilitation of the gathering, organisation and deployment of evidence by students from a variety of sources, in pursuit of enhanced understanding of political issues and events;
An ability to construct reasoned argument and make critical judgements about political issues and events.
8 modules (120 CATS points)
- Up to 8 in Politics
- Up to 2 outside the school
8 modules (120 CATS points)
- Up to 8 in Politics (including optional dissertation)
- Up to 2 outside the school
The modules listed above are illustrative and subject to change. Please refer to the department site for further information
Politics BA (Hons)