IL1GMB-Modern Britain Society, History and Politics

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Spring (Double presentation)
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: IL2GMB Modern Britain Society, History and Politics
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Lucy Watson
Email: l.a.watson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide an introduction to key aspects of modern British society, politics and history, identifying past and present issues.

Topics explored include the historical and political landscape of Post war Britain, British identities, patterns of inequality, education, religion, and Britain’s relationship with Europe.

In the Summer term students will work independently to explore a specific from the range taught in Term 1, to develop knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles and demonstrate an ability to evaluate and interpret these.

Aims:

To introduce students to key aspects of life in Britain today and key political and historical events as well as debates and people in Modern Britain (post war 20th century to current days).  Students will develop an appreciation of the  complexity of what it means to be British today.  Students will have to opportunity to further their understanding of life in Britain today by focusing on a specific topic of interest.

Assessable learning outcomes:

1. Describe and explain key aspects of life in Britain today including key political and historical events.


2. Present your ideas in a clear and concise manner including more than one perspective.


3. Summarise different viewpoints and bring insights from a range of topics.


4. Articulate how skills gained in this module can be transferred to other contexts (e.g. further study or work).

Additional outcomes:

• Develop transferrable skills such as group work and discussion skills (such as conveying information clearly, expressing, seeking and responding appropriately to others). 


• Develop an awareness of the complexity of life in Britain today.


• Develop increased personal effectiveness, self-confidence and efficacy in working independently.


• Develop an ability to evaluate digital and paper sources.


• Develop digital competence skills through the search and use of relevant digital resources.

Outline content:

The first term (students can choose to start the module in autumn or spring) will consist of 10 lectures and workshops covering key concepts and theories relating to key aspects of modern British society, culture, politics and history. Topics explored will include Post war Britain, British identities, patterns of inequality, education, religion, and Britain’s relationship with Europe.

Summer term consists of four twice-weekly introductory workshops (weeks1-2 of term), followed by three individual project supervisions at the start and half-way through the project. 

Global context:

The module enables students to broaden their understanding of aspects of British politics, history, society and culture today whilst reflecting on and articulating their intercultural competence, facilitating:

1. understanding and ability to communicate in a global context.


2. the cultural transitions of international students at UoR

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module is delivered using a flipped learning methodology. Each week students will be expected to watch a pre-recorded lecture and/or engage with reading and other tasks in preparation for a workshop.  Tasks to consolidate learning after the workshop will also require completion.  Tasks may include watching videos, screencasts or narrated PowerPoints, reading, completing activities and participating in discussion boards. This part of the module is co-taught with IL2GMB.

In week 11 of the first term, there are group presentations researched by students on pre-determined topics.

In the Summer Term students carry out an independent project.

Independent study tasks form a central element of this course and include wider directed reading, preparation for seminars (including independent research) and group study tasks.  All tasks and related information are displayed on Blackboard.

For students attending Spring and Summer the hours listed as autumn will take place in Spring.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	5		2
Seminars	15		6
Project Supervision			2
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20		20
Wider reading (directed)	10		12
Advance preparation for classes	25		8
Completion of formative assessment tasks	10		20
Group study tasks	15
Carry-out research project			30
Total hours by term	100	0	100
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	60
Oral assessment and presentation	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Group presentation – week 11 Term 1

Project  - week 8 Summer Term

Formative assessment methods:

Students will have opportunity to participate in quizzes and individual tasks in workshops. Student will also receive feedback  on Discussion Board posts and formative submissions of the project.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Students will carry forward passing coursework marks, and will be able to resubmit failing coursework tasks.  Students will be provided with alternative assessments, where appropriate. Submission by 2pm on third Friday in August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 17 October 2022