CE5135: The Political System in Wales
School | Continuing and Professional Education |
Department Code | LEARN |
Module Code | CE5135 |
External Subject Code | 101323 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Level | L4 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Ms Janet Stephens |
Semester | Spring Semester |
Academic Year | 2019/0 |
Outline Description of Module
The module will introduce students to a number of key areas in Welsh public life. The module begins by exploring how Wales is governed and what devolution means in practice, and will then consider concepts such as democracy and representation, as well as looking at how political parties, the civil service and the voluntary sector contribute to policy-making. The course will also consider how influences outside of Wales shape its governance, looking at factors such as the European Union, the Media and the UK government
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Describe the current Welsh institutions, their functions and how they differ
Demonstrate understanding of devolution, specifically in Wales, and in the UK more broadly
Discuss the politics, organisations and influences that shape how Wales is governed
Construct reasoned arguments concerning the way in which Wales is currently governed
How the module will be delivered
The course will be delivered through a mix of participative seminars and lectures. Students will be encouraged to share their knowledge, experiences and opinions in order to illustrate the relevance of the course material to their daily lives, and to promote respectful debate. Suggested reading to enhance learning outcomes will also be provided
40 contact hours
Skills that will be practised and developed
Students will develop and practice presentation and debating skills, as well as developing skills in informational analysis and use of evidence to prepare a rationale and reasoned argument
How the module will be assessed
How the module will be assessed
Students will be asked to give a 10 minute presentation to demonstrate their learning.
Type of assessment % Contribution Title Duration (if applicable) Approx. date of Assessment
Presentation / Report
50%
Presentation / Report on one aspect of Welsh government. Students will be asked to identify an aspect of public life or policy (e.g. tuition fees, welsh newspapers, UK membership of the EU, etc) and make a case for whether they think the current governance arrangements for Wales are suitable, or whether this area would benefit from more or less devolution, or even independence from the UK. Students will be expected to provide a reasoned argument for their position based upon the course content and individual learning
Week 10
Essay 50%
Essay titles will be distributed in class. Students can negotiate their own essay title with the tutor if preferred.
End of course
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Written Assessment | 100 | The Political System In Wales | N/A |
Syllabus content
The course will give a broad overview of Welsh public life and governance, and will explore the following themes:
Structures of government, including devolved, UK and European institutions
Political and constitutional change in Wales from 1979-2013
The role of the media, civil society, voluntary, private and public sector organisations in shaping Wales
The prospects for the UK’s future, including EU membership and the Scottish Referendum
Background Reading and Resource List
Course materials will be in the form of hand-outs/emailed attachments/items on Learning Central
Students interested in Welsh affairs may wish to access www.clickonwales.org/ a good blog on Welsh issues hosted by the Institute for Welsh Affairs
Students wishing to conduct additional reading at a more advanced level may wish to explore the following texts:
Wyn Jones, R. & Scully, R. (2012) Wales Says Yes: Devolution and the 2011 Referendum (Cardiff, University of Wales Press)
Rawlings, R. (2002) Delineating Wales: Constitutional, Legal & Administrative Aspects of National Devolution (Cardiff, University of Wales Press)
Trench, A. (2007) Devolution and Power in the United Kingdom (Manchester, Manchester University Press)