This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module explores the nature of the public sphere in Britain, how groups and individuals from all social classes engage with the state, non-governmental actors/agencies and party politics. Students will examine topics including the role of the state and NGOs, citizenship, social capital, devolution and the 'new localism' and the internet and politics. The major schools of thought that theoretically represent the interrelationships between politics, social structures, ideologies and culture will be explored throughout the module. Indicative topics of study include:
1. Introduction to the British political system and structure
2. The state
3. Non-state actors and agents
4. Civil society
5. Social capital
6. Citizenship
7. Devolution and the 'new localism'
8. Web 2.0, the media and the British public sphere
9. The Big Society
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
BSc Social Sciences
Main assessment methods
Group Presentation - 20%
Essay (3000 words) - 80%
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
Crowson et al , 2009, NGOs in Contemporary Britain: Non-State Actors in Society and Politics since 1945. Basingstoke: Palgrave
Deakin, N., 2001, In Search of Civil Society. Basingstoke: Palgrave
Edwards, M., 2009, Civil Society. Cambridge: Polity
Faulks, K., 2000, Citizenship. London: Routledge
Faulks, K. , 1998, Citizenship in Modern Britain. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press
Halpern, D., 2005, Social Capital, Oxford: Polity
Bradley, K., 2009, Poverty, Philanthropy and the State: Charities and the Working Classes in London, 1918-1979. Manchester: Manchester University Press
Ishkanian, A. and S. Szreter, 2012, The Big Society Debate: A New Agenda for Social Welfare. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the importance of a critical, social scientific approach to the public sphere in Britain.
8.2 Demonstrate an advanced conceptual understanding of the British political system and public sphere, and its development.
8.3 Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data regarding varying methods and ways in which individuals and groups shape and interact with the public sphere, drawing upon perspectives from sociology, social policy and history.
8.4 Effectively communicate key debates regarding the factors that shape involvement or non-involvement in British public and political life, drawing upon perspectives from sociology, social policy and history.
8.5 Draw upon social science techniques and theories to describe and explain the structures and processes involved in British public and political life, including utilising key disciplinary concepts to define the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge regarding central political debates.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate enhanced communication skills, evidenced through their participation in group work, seminar discussions and essay writing.
9.2 Demonstrate enhanced skills in finding and using library and internet resources.
9.3 Demonstrate enhanced skills in working collaboratively in teams.
9.4 Demonstrate enhanced skills in synthesizing theories and arguments in a coherent manner.
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