University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Revised November 2002)
Code: UPPNJJ-30-3 Title: Politics in the workplace: linking theory and practice Version: 2
Level: 3 UWE credit rating: 30 credits ECTS credit rating: 15
Module type: Project
Owning Faculty: Social Sciences and Humanities Field: Politics
Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: Awards up to BA (Hons)
Pre-requisites: Reading Politics(UNP200C2 / UPPNGA-30-2) or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Excluded combinations: Politics project (UNP300C3 / UPPNJA-30-3)
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Identify and appraise the knowledge and skills developed and acquired through the work-based learning.
- Identify and use relevant source material.
- Identify the links between the experience of work and the theories and debates which underpin the study of politics
- Reflect upon the practical challenges encountered when completing a work-based project, and identify potential solutions to such challenges
- Carry out research in an ethical and competent fashion.
- Analyse data and integrate their findings with an existing body of literature.
- Write up and present a piece of original research.
Syllabus outline:
Not applicable. Eligible students will be identified in the third term of Level 2 – they should be single honours students deemed to have a ‘good’ aggregate coursework mark in all Level 2 Politics modules (i.e. 60%+) whose suitability is also supported by a reference from a relevant Level 2 Politics tutor. Before the placement commences, all students must attend a half-day training session, covering issues such as placement allocation, assessment requirements and an ‘ethics’ game.
Students will be expected to participate in a placement equivalent of 20 days work experience. This may operate as a block, or as one day per week depending upon the requirements of the placement organisation. Placement as a block enables students to carry out the work outside of the teaching timetable (e.g. the summer break) whilst a one day per week placement allows students to take other modules without interference. The exact timing of the placement will be decided before allocation to students so that they are fully aware of commitment requirements.
Placements have been offered, and more will be added as appropriate. For example, the BBC has offered two placements on The Politics Show – these will probably operate as ‘block’ placements in September of each year, to coincide with the party conference season. Bristol City Council has also offered two placements, and we expect to be able to place students with a range of NGOs. As there is no expectation that students will be paid for their work, placements will normally take place in the Bristol area. Placement organisations are aware that any additional travel should be covered at their own expense.
Prior to the placement commencing, the placement organisation is required to provide a ‘work plan’ to the module leader and student. This will identify specific task(s) which the student will be expected to carry out. Whilst this may involve some general small administrative tasks, the majority of the work experience will require the student to be involved in data gathering and presentation (e.g. library based, media analysis, surveys and interviews).
Teaching and learning methods:
- compulsory preparatory half-day before placement commences
- personal tutorials with module leader during the academic year (at least 3)
Whilst project titles will be negotiated between the module leader and student, suggested topics include:
The utilisation of ‘experts’ and ‘vox pop’ in the media’s reporting of political events
The role of consultation in local government policy making
The public relations process in NGOs.
Indicative sources:
This module does not have general indicative reading, but source material will be driven by the nature of individual placements. However, students may find the following texts useful:
Brockbank, A. & McGill, I. (1998) Facilitating Reflective Learning in Higher Education Buckingham: SRHE & Open University Press
Marsh, D. & Stoker, G. (eds) (2002) Theory and Methods in Political Science (2nd ed), Basingstoke: Palgrave
Morgan, G. (1997) Images of Organization, London: Sage
Moon, J. (1999) Learning Journals: A Handbook for Academics, Students and Professional Development, London:Kogan Page
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: n/a B: 100%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1. Logbook (10%)
2. 30 minute Presentation (20%)
3. 4-5,000 word Report (70%)
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1. 5,000 word Report (100%)
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is not required.
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)