Module manager: Dr Mette Wiggen
Email: M.Wiggen@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
This module is approved as a discovery module
Why should I take this Module? In this series of seminars you will be able to study one of the most important developments in contemporary European and to see the rise of the radical right in a comparative perspective. You will be involved in the discussion of: - Political theories and perspectives developed in the English language literature which seek to explain the nature and performance of the extreme right in contemporary Europe. These include, Eatwell and Mudde, Carter, Betz, Goodwin and others. - An analysis of the relationship of the extreme right to the society in some key states (Austria, Germany, UK, France, Scandinavia and Italy). - Comparative and general features of the extreme right and the causes of surges in support for these parties. - Conceptual and definitional problems in the discussion of the extreme right - The historical context to the main extreme right movements in Europe - Problems of definition including the classification of the parties and the investigation of their appeal and their support. - The relation of the extreme right parties in the political party systems to the fringe movements and the implications of the rise in support for the extreme right in contemporary Europe.
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1 Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the debates surrounding the contemporary extreme right in western
2 Europe and evaluate the different perspectives on the extreme right.
3 Understand the relationship between the extreme right in contemporary Europe and its history as well as the affinities and distinctions between parties.
4 Develop an understanding of the conceptual and definitional issues involved in the discussion of the extreme right.
5 Appreciate the challenges presented to contemporary theories by the surge in support for the extreme right in the 1990s
6 Assess the impact of the extreme right on politics in western Europe.
7 Develop further their skills in analysis and in the appreciation of contemporary political phenomena
- Apply insights from the contemporary analysis of the extreme right and interpret the evidence in a range of country studies drawn from Western Europe.
- Enhance subject specific skills of verbal and written communication through seminar work and assessment work, and augment practical IT skills by using the WWW and word processing essays.
Use the knowledge gained to write about- and engage with debates on the role of the contemporary extreme right in Europe, aided by a deep understanding of historical background, theory and ideology. Being able to apply the outcomes to other modules, political activities and campaigning.
The module covers:
1 Political theories and perspectives developed in the English language literature which seek to explain the nature and performance of the extreme right in contemporary Europe. These include, Kitschelt, Eatwell, Mudde Husbands, Goodwin and others.
2 An analysis of the relationship of the extreme right to the society in some key states (Austria, Germany, UK, France, Scandinavia and Italy).
3 Comparative and general features of the extreme right and the causes of surges in support for these parties.
4 Conceptual and definitional problems in the discussion of the extreme right
5 The historical context to the main extreme right movements in contemporary Europe
- Problems of definition including the classification of the parties and the investigation of their appeal and their support.
- The relation of the extreme right parties in the political party systems to the fringe movements and the implications of the rise in support for the extreme right in Europe.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Private study hours | 178 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will be required to prepare for discussions in seminars through extensive reading of sources listed on the module reading list. In addition to this, students should spend time preparing for their assessments which should include finding and using sources not listed on their reading list.
Students will be required to prepare for discussions in seminars through extensive reading of sources listed on the module reading list. In addition to this, students should spend time preparing for their assessments which should include finding and using sources not listed on their reading list.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 x 1,000 Mid-Term opinion piece | 50 |
| Essay | 1 x 2,000 End of Term essay | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
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: 5/12/2022
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team