Overview

The module provides you with a basic introduction to government and society in the UK, including the main features of democracy, the role of the Crown, the institutions of government and the role of parliament. It explores ideology in British politics in relation to the main political parties in the UK. The module also examines the relationship the UK has with the rest of the world, looking at the global institutions the UK is part of, including the UN, and the the UK's international obligations in areas such as human rights.

The module provides students with a basic introduction to government and society in the UK, including the main features of democracy, the role of the Crown, the institutions of government and the role of parliament. It explores ideology in British politics in relation to the main political parties in the UK.

The module also explores the position of the UK following the 2016 EU referendum and considers the relationship the UK has with international organisations. It looks at the global institutions the UK is part of, including the UN, and focuses on human rights.

Topics covered include: • how politics affects our lives • how politics can be defined and why political organisation is necessary • pressure groups and political accountability • the role of the media in holding government to account • the UK’s relationship with the EU and global organisations • human rights and the role of NGOs • key components of democracy • the role of the monarchy in the UK • political parties and ideologies

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (40-49% / D- to D+) Has shown knowledge of key areas and principles but there is a weakness in understanding the subject area. Work shows limited evidence of background study and research. Answer is only poorly focussed on question and with some irrelevant material and poor structure. Some arguments are presented but lack coherence.

Satisfactory (50–59% / C- to C+) Has shown knowledge of the key areas and principles and the main elements of the subject area are understood. Work shows limited evidence of background study and research. Answer is focussed on question but also with some irrelevant material and weakness in structure. Arguments are presented but lack coherence.

Good (60-69% / B- to B+) Has shown a strong knowledge and understands most of the subject area. Work shows evidence of background study and research. Answer is focussed, has a good structure, and contains coherent arguments.

Excellent (70%-100% / A- to A*) Has shown a comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding of the subject area. Work shows extensive background study and research. Answer is highly focussed, well-structured and contains logically presented and defended arguments.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the different strands of government within the UK and how they function.

• Identify key political ideologies and their relationships to parties in the UK.

• Outline the key components of democracy and give examples of how pressure is brought to bear on democratic governments through citizen participation.