ENG2501 – British Politics
Course description
Course content
This course addresses the development of British politics from 1975 to the present, focusing on the successive governments of the period. It starts with the election of Margaret Thatcher as leader of the Conservative Party, and moves on look at the Conservative governments from 1979 to 1997; New Labour from 1997 to 2010; the Coalition government formed in 2010; and politics since the end of the Coalition in 2015. Particular emphasis is placed on three British prime ministers in the period: Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and David Cameron.
In addition to building a basic understanding of British politics within the period covered by the course, there will be a topical emphasis that will vary with each offering.
Students are expected to stay abreast of the most recent developments relating to the particular topic addressed in the current semester.
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you:
- have an understanding of, and insight into the development of British politics since 1975
- can analyse the impact of Thatcherism on British politics
- can analyse the relationship between Thatcherism and New Labour
- can analyse the impact of the Coalition government of 2010 on British politics
- can analyse the development of British politics since 2015
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
It is recommended that students take ENG1505 – British Civilisation before attending this course
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with ENG2515 – Britain since 1945 (discontinued).
- 10 credits overlap with ENG4515 – Britain since 1945 (discontinued).
- 5 credits overlap with STV1560 – British Politics and institutions.
Teaching
Seminars, 2?hours per week for 10 weeks.?20 hours in all.
You are expected to turn up prepared for the seminar, having covered the assigned reading for each session, and any exercises you?have been asked to work on in advance.
- A?first draft of the term paper?turned in by a stated deadline. Read more about rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for approved postponements.
- It is obligatory to show up for a minimum of 60% of the teaching. In this course you have to attend 6 of 10 seminars. The requirement is absolute.
The allowed absence limit will cover all absences, including illness. You will not be granted valid absences with documentation, even when the absence is due to something beyond your control.
If the course has in-person teaching, and you are signed up for an in-person seminar group, you are to attend the teaching in the location found in the schedule.
If the course has digital teaching, and you are signed up for a digital seminar group, you must attend via Zoom with your camera on.
In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you could apply for special needs accommodation.
All obligatory activities must be approved in the same semester?for you to sit the exam.?Fulfilled course requirements are only valid for the current semester.
Examination
The final grade is set on the basis of a written term paper (5 standard pages à 2,300 characters, 60% of the grade) and a short written exam (2 hours, 40% of the grade).
It is required to pass both parts of the exam individually, and you have to take both parts in the same semester.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
A term paper or equivalent that is passed may not be resubmitted in revised form.
If you?withdraw from the exam?after the deadline, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.