3212+Syllabus

Dr. Alistair Howard TR 10:10-11:30 CRN: 045699 Office Hours: Gladfelter 424 TR 12:30-1:30 Email: alistair [a] temple.edu
 * PS 3212 British Government and Politics** Spring 2008

In this upper-level undergraduate course we combine historical and thematic approaches to British politics, using the USA as a comparative referent throughout. I selected topics for their level of interest for American students, for their utility in learning about politics at home, and their intrinsic importance for Britons. In the first section we introduce the study of British politics and take a broad overview of its history. Next, we study several of Britain’s key state institutions—the monarchy, House of Commons, and the premiership. Subsequently we learn about British elections by researching the 1983, 1987 and 2005 General Elections. Finally, we debate five politically salient topics: the nature of English political economy, the relationship between England and the UK’s other nations, the relationship between Britain and the US, questions raised by the European Union, and finally the record of English multiculturalism. The required readings are predominantly geared to explaining Britain, with additional reading on the US as needed. I can add readings depending on the interests and competencies of the group. My teaching methods include lectures, reading seminars, audio programs, and organized debates. We will use videos and music when appropriate.
 * Course summary**


 * Books to purchase—available at Campus bookstore AND Zavelle’s**
 * 1) British Politics, Leach, Coxall and Robins, Palgrave, ISBN 1-4039-4922-0
 * 2) Between Europe and America, Andrew Gamble, Palgrave, ISBN 0-333-55571-6

· Midterm (25%) March 6. The midterm exam will combine short answers and essays. · Final (35%) Date TBA. The final exam will combine short answers and essays. It covers material across the course as a whole. · Seminar (25%) You will be assigned one of ten seminars (see schedule below for dates and topics). On the seminar date you will speak for no more than __ten minutes__ on the assigned reading, research topic, or discussion question. You will hand in a 4-6 page seminar paper on the date of the seminar. · Participation (15%) Participation includes joining class discussion, answering my questions during lectures, asking questions of me or of other students, and emailing questions or comments about readings or current events.
 * Requirements**


 * Policies, advisories, and recommendations**
 * The course reading and schedule is subject to change. Check the course website and your Temple email account regularly.
 * Please do the reading __before__ the class and be prepared to ask and answer questions. This is essential to your participation grade, and is a good predictor of overall performance.
 * Please do not arrive late to class, and do not leave early except in exceptional circumstances. If you anticipate regularly coming in late, please drop the course.
 * Hand in all assignments on time, __by class time on the due date.__ Late work will be penalized by 5% of the grade for that assignment per day until received.
 * Attendance is essential to do well in this class, but I will not keep attendance. However, I will not happily repeat assignment instructions. Students who are forced to miss classes for health reasons, work reasons, or family reasons should drop the course and retake another time.
 * This course is open to all students who meet the academic requirements for participation. Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss the specific situation as soon as possible. Disability Resources and Services at 215-204-1280 in 100 Ritter Annex can help coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. I will be happy to help in any way I can.
 * Use email to keep in touch. N