ENG4517 - The British Constitution
Course content
This course looks at the historical development of the British political system from the time of the Glorious Revolution in 1689 to the present. Emphasis is placed on the gradual development of the system of ”Crown-in-Parliament” over the course of the eighteenth century, and the subsequent challenges to, and reforms of, this system in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Central topics which are covered are the emergence of a radical challenge to the political system from the 1760s onwards;the subsequent three great reform acts of the nineteenth century; as well as devolution, constitutional reform and the effect of Britain’s EU-membership in the twentieth century.
Learning outcome
After completing this course you will have:
- gained an understanding of the nature of the British political system, and the notion of an evolving British Constitution.
- learned to identify a topic for investigation, and to analyse central questions relating to the development of the British political system in the past, and/or to challenges facing the system today.
Admission
Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.
International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
It is recommended that you have ENG1505 - British Civilisation, an introduction or similar knowledge.
Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with ENG2517 - The British Constitution.Teaching
Seminar, two hours per week for 10 weeks, 20 hours in all.
Attendance is obligatory at least 8 out of 10 seminars. Additional absences must be justified by documentation to the exam coordinator.
Students must submit a proposal for their individual essay topic by a stated deadline during the semester. The proposal must be approved by the teacher.
Students have the opportunity to deliver a first draft of the paper during the semester. Feedback will be given.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Portfolio-evaluation consisting of an essay of 7 standard pages, and a two-hour written classroom exam.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
English-English dictionary
Language of examination
English
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
You may request an explanation of your grades, and you may also appeal against your grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals.
Resit an examination
For those who want to retake their exam: Since this is a portfolio exam, you must follow the classes and write a new paper as well in order to qualify. Admission depends on the capacity.
If it's just the class room exam you have missed because of illness, it's possible to apply for a postponed exam. Please contact the exam coordinator.
Withdrawal from an examination
A student may sit this exam up to 3 times. If a student wishes to withdraw from the exam, s/he must do so in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the first day of the exam. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit the exam.
Special examination arrangements
If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.