ENG2517 – The British Constitution
Course description
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
- devolution, constitutional reform and the effect of Britain’s EU-membership in the twentieth century
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you:
- understand the nature of the British political system, and the notion of an evolving British Constitution.
- can analyse the present challenges to the British Constitution, and the changes which have been carried out in the past.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
It is recommended that you have ENG1505 – British Civilisation or similar knowledge.
Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with ENG4517 – The British Constitution
Teaching
Seminar, two hours per week for 10 weeks, 20 hours in all.
Obligatory activity:
- Attendance is obligatory at least 8 out of 10 seminars. Additional absences must be justified by documentation. Read more about rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for approved absences or postponements here.
- Students must hand in a first draft of the paper during the semester. Feedback will be given. In addition to this, students will prepare one oral group presentation for the rest of the class.
All obligatory activities must be approved in the same semester.
Examination
The exam consists of two parts:
- A term paper of approximately 5 standard pages (a standard page consists of 2,300 characters). References and bibliography comes in addition.
- A 2–hour written exam.
A pass mark is required on both parts. You have to take both examination parts in the same semester. The examination parts will be graded separately with a combined final mark. The term paper counts for 70 % of the overall mark, while the written exam counts for 30 %.
Previously given exam assignments and assessment guidelines
Written examination
The written examination is conducted in the digital examination system Inspera. You will need to familiarize yourself with the digital examination arrangements in Inspera.
Read more about written examinations using Inspera.
Submission in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read more about how to submit in Inspera.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Examination support material
You are allowed to use an English–English dictionary on the classroom exam.
Macmillan Dictionary will be offered in the digital examination system Inspera.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in 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
Resit an examination
For those who want to retake their exam: Since this exam includes a term paper, you must follow the classes and write a new paper in order to qualify. Admission depends on capacity.
If it's just the written exam you have missed because of illness, it is possible to apply for a postponed exam. Please contact the exam coordinator for more information.
Withdrawal from an examination
A term paper or equivalent that is passed may not be resubmitted in revised form.
If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.