Module manager: Dr Alan MacLeod
Email: A.MacLeod@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is approved as a discovery module
The module will examine the historical roots and developments of a number of issues of contemporary significance, which, at their centre, either seek to fundamentally alter a given element of the British political consensus or event threaten the continued unity of the British state. The module will examine the changing nature of the British state, the relations between the different constituent parts of the UK, Britain’s relations with Europe, and various challenges that have been posed to the political consensus in the UK. It will do so covering a timeframe that extends from the period of post-war austerity through to the present time. <p>Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module. <p>
On the completion of this module, you should:
- Have developed an understanding of contemporary challenges to the unitary British state and their historical roots.
- Be able to Engage with the historiography on post-war British politics.
- Understand the perspectives of groups challenging British unity, whether constitutional political parties working within the system or paramilitary organisations attempting to overthrow it. Students will also investigate how supporters of the status quo are seen by members of these groups and, in turn, how they are seen by those supporting the status quo or those seeking the same ends by different means.
- Be able to articulate their ideas and perspectives effectively in group discussion.
- Further develop their writing skills.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
- Analyse and understand the challenges to British unity.
- Critically discuss the history of these challenges.
- Identify historiographical interpretations, evaluate them, and form an individual viewpoint.
- Further develop oral and written communication skills.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 179.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
You will have the opportunity to discuss essay plans with the module tutor in one-to-one meetings and will also receive dedicated essay feedback meetings. These meetings are over and above usual office hours.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | VLE Posts | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 48.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 28/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team