Budge, et al, The New British Politics, 2nd Edition, Longman, 2001
Temple, M, How Britian Works, Routledge, 2000
Stoker, G (ed), The New Politics of British Local Governance, Macmillan, 2000
N.Nugent, et al, (eds) The Government and Politics of the European Union, Basingstoke, Palgrave, 2003.
D. Held & A. McGrew, Governing Globalization, Cambridge; Polity, 2002.

The first essay (1500-2000 words) will focus on the functions and operation of government (at different levels) [Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5]

The second essay (1500-2000 words) will require the application of key explanatory concepts and theory to a focused topic selected from an essay list [Learning Outcomes 3,4,5]

The module will be delivered by a lecture programme covering 16 hours supported by seminar/workshop session covering 16 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. Additional class contact of 4 hours will be provided for students entering the NCTJ Public Affairs examinations.

Students will be expected to sit the NCTJ Public Affairs 1 and Public Affairs 2 examinations on completion of this module.

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

OHP, Internet, Library.

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.