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School of Law, Politics and Sociology

PS&I: Germany (L2039)

Political Systems and Issues: Germany

Module L2039

Module details for 2023/24.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 5

Module Outline

The overall intellectual aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the structure and norms of governance in the Federal Republic of Germany. The module examines the structure of German governance post-1945, looking at the formal codified arrangements of German federalism and the relationship between the constitution, parties and the wider polity. Particular emphasis is placed on Germany's role within the broader international community and the effects that unification has had on the structures and practices of German governance. We will also look at two particular policy fields (foreign policy, asylum and immigration policy) in order to see how the structures of governance affect policy making and policy development in individual policy areas. Learning objectives are specified by week for each topic. You should use these to think about when reading the material and preparing for each seminar.

Module learning outcomes

Design and produce a substantial work of analysis and argument, presented in accordance with professional scholarly standards

Access primary and secondary materials through the use of extensive IT skills and be able to use appropriate software packages

Critically evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of Germany's institutions and norms of governance.

Understand and critically analyse the impact that unification has had on the way that Germany is governed today

TypeTimingWeighting
Essay (3500 words)Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Tue 16:00100.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Spring SemesterSeminar2 hours21111111111

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Dr Hannah Richter

Assess convenor
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Prof Dan Hough

Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/157318

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