Budge, et al, The New British Politics, 2nd edition, Longman, 2001
M. Temple, How Britain Works, Routledge, 2000.
G.Stoker (ed) The New Politics of British Local Governance, Macmillan, 2000

The first essay will focus on the functions and operation of local and national government [Learning Outcomes 1,2,4]
The second essay will require the application of key explanatory concepts and theory to a focused topic selected from an essay list [Learning Outcomes 3,4]

The module will locate the understanding of local and national government in a political context. Democracy and the electoral process will be introduced and evaluated in terms of national, regional (devolved) and local levels. The functions of government (including cabinets and executives) will be examined at each level. Legislatures and regulatory functions will be considered. The public sector and public sector/private sector partnerships will be explored and evaluated, especially in the context of the delivery of government set objectives and services. Local government will be examined with respect to a range of functions including strategic planning, planning approval, leisure and recreation, waste and environmental health, and housing. At all levels, government-media relations will be examined.

The module will be delivered by a lecture programme covering 12 hours supported by seminar/workshop session covering 12 hours. Lectures will introduce and map out key issues, concepts and subject knowledge while seminar sessions and workshops will allow more interactive discussion and focused exercises in support of achieving the learning outcomes. In addition 126 hours of self directed study will be guided by the module handbook and will include preparation for seminars and assessments.

OHP, internet, library.