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PIR-10039 - Module Specification
School of Social, Political and Global Studies
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 19 January 2023

PIR-10039 - Debates in American Politics
Coordinator: Jonathan Parker Room: CBB2.029 Tel: +44 1782 7 33547
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

American Politics is driven by debate. Americans are divided over their foreign policy. Over social issues such as race and abortion, the U.S. has embarked upon debates so heated that they're sometimes referred to as the "culture wars". Then there are ongoing contests over areas such as education and environmental policy. This module will introduce to many of these debates. Each week, we look at a new policy area and get you to debate the rights and wrongs of current U.S. policy and where it should go next. The module also serves to introduce you to the subject of American Politics - it's all pitched at those new to the topic. Much of the module depends on your presentations, advocating one side or the other of a debate in a key policy area. Over the semester, you should learn about a series of policy debates, who's advocating what and develop your skills in presentation and argument.

Aims
1. The module will introduce students to a number of high-profile public policy issues in American politics and the debates surrounding those issues.
2. The module will develop students' ability to present, advocate, research an argument.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/pir-10039/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of key debates in U.S. politics: 1,2
Demonstrate an ability to work in a team to produce a presentation: 1
Research a topic using online sources to advocate a specific argument: 1,2
Present material in a persuasive audio-visual presentation: 1,2
Discern between advocacy and academic debate: 1,2
Communicate ideas and arguments with clarity: 1,2

Study hours

Lectures: 11 hrs (11 x 1hr)
Seminars: 11hrs (11 x 1 hr)
Preparatory Reading for Seminars: 33 hrs (10 x 3hrs)
Preparation of Group Presentation: 15 hours
Preparation of Individual Presentation: 40 hours
Researching &Writing of Essay: 40 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Group Presentation weighted 30%
Team of 3-5 presents for 15 mins arguing one side of debate
Expectation that presentation should be audio-visual and audio-visual materials must be submitted to tutor as part of the assessment. The presentation should be based upon research using online sources. Module Tutors to use common feedback form to guarantee thorough and relevant feedback. Should be a confidence builder in the first few weeks of the module to prepare for Assessment 2.

2: Presentation weighted 70%
Individual or pair of students presents 15 mins argument on one side of debate with rebuttal and questions from class
Reproduces Assessment 1 but as an individual or paired activity.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 19 January 2023