Welcome to POLIS - School of Politics International Studies ...

WELCOMEWelcome to the School of Politics and International Studies (POLIS). Now that the Alevel results are through or you have made a final decision to return to studying after abreak, I expect you might be feeling somewhat nervous. What will life at Leeds belike? What sort of choices do I have? What do I have to do when I get here? Thisbooklet is designed to help.Although we hope that this will answer most of your initial questions, you should not beafraid to ask if you do need any help or advice. Where possible, we have indicatedwho you should contact if we are not be able to help. We hope that we have put aprogramme together for the first week that will be informative and helpful.For the first time, new students will be able to enrol on modules before they arrive inLeeds. Please read the booklet and any accompanying advice sheets very carefullybefore deciding which modules to take. If you are still unsure then email us onpolisugmodules@leeds.ac.uk . International Development students should note thatthey must send us their choice of minor programme and allow time for this to belogged on to the system before choosing their modules.There is an initial meeting on Monday 22nd September in the Environment LectureTheatre F at 10am (see instructions on page 20) and you should ensure that you putthis in your diary.Best wishes.Prof Clive JonesHead of SchoolThis booklet was as accurate as we could make it at the time of going topress, but the School cannot be held responsible for any errors containedtherein.

Things to do before you arrive1) Put the following dates in your diary:Monday 22 September10-12 noon Introduction to POLIS. Environment Lecture Theatre F1-2 pm Meetings with Programme Directors2 pm Campus TourEuropean Social Sciences Building 11.14International Development Social Sciences Building 11.13International Relations Roger Stevens Lecture Theatre 1Political Studies Roger Stevens Lecture Theatre 2Politics and Parliamentary Studies Social Sciences Building 13.08Tuesday 23 September2-4 pm Any Questions?Drop-in surgery sessions with Programme DirectorsEuropean (Social Sciences Building 13.14)International Development (Social Sciences Building 12.16)International Relations (Botany House 3.02)Politics (Social Sciences Building 13.04)PPS (Social Sciences Building 13.22)4 pm Party! Social Sciences 11.13 and11.14Wednesday 24 September10.00-12.30 noon Study Skills Session Roger Stevens Lecture Theatre 20Thursday 25 September9.30-1.30 pm Personal Tutor Group SessionsA great opportunity to meet up with othernew students and your personal tutorSee lists for locations2 – 4 pm Peer Mentoring Session. A chance for first Roger Stevens Lec Theatre 24years to meet existing students for guidance,chat and refreshments.

Friday 26 September10.30-12.00 noon Introduction to the Library for people with family names [surnames]beginning A-L. Meet in the Conference Room on level 7 of theEdward Boyle library. See appendix for details as to how to findthe room.2.30-4.00 pm Introduction to the Library for people with family names [surnames]beginning M-Z. Meet in the Conference Room on level 7 of theEdward Boyle library. See appendix for details as to how to findthe room.2) Make sure that you follow the advice in the University Welcome GuideThis gives you a useful checklist of things to do and it is usually issued once theUniversity knows that you intend to take up your place. You should have received it by earlySeptember unless you are a clearing candidate. Enquiries should be directed to the RegistrationHelpline on 0800 915 0402 (9-5 pm Monday to Friday); not to the School. Clearing candidateswill be sent the information as soon as the University has received confirmation from them thatthey are taking up the place.3) Decide which modules you would like to take and enrol onlineSee the separate sheet for your degree programme. This is the first year that first year studentshave been able to enrol online, so we hope that you will forgive us if there are any teethingproblems.4) Consider some preliminary readingSee the module details in the appendix. It is not a sensible idea to rush out and buy all of thesetexts - you will be told by the module leader which (if any) they recommend for purchase.Whether you do any preliminary reading and how much reading you do is down to the individual,but don’t let it become a cause of anxiety.

Other things to rememberTimetableOnce you have enrolled for your modules online, you need to wait until the following day beforeyou attempt to print out a timetable [from http://portal.leeds.ac.uk]. The reason that there is a delayis that the details of the module enrolments are uploaded on an overnight basisIf your timetable shows a clash, and it is something that the teaching schools can resolve [generallylectures are fixed, so a clash between two lectures is not something that can be sorted], then this willbe done for you. You must ensure that you check the class times before the start of teaching just toensure that they have not been changed.If you have a good reason that you can’t make a seminar or tutorial that has been allocated to you[generally this would be on account of a religious commitment or caring responsibilities] then pleaseemail the School on polisugmodules@leeds.ac.uk.Post and MessagesEmailYou should check your university email on a recommendeddaily basis,as this is the preferred method of communication formany University messages. If you use an alternative emailprovider then you should make sure that your Universityemail is forwarded to that address1. Click the Options Icon.2. Near the top right hand side of the screen click on the dropdown menu: "Edit options for:" then select 'Filters'.3. Click on the 'Filters' link then on 'Edit your filter rules'.4. Click on the Forward rule, enter your e-mail address andclick Save.N.B. Check that you have a green tick on the Forward filter,otherwise, click on the red 'X' to enable forwarding.Generally speaking you should make enquiries at the POLIS Undergraduate Offices (open from 9.30– 12.30 and 1.30 to 3.30 weekdays). If you have reason to email colleagues in the School then youshould quote your year, programme and student number for ease of reference.NoticeboardsThere are a number of noticeboards around the School which are clearly labelled. You should checkthe appropriate ones regularly [at least once a week] for information.PigeonholesThe undergraduate pigeonholes are located in the common room in the Social Sciences Building.Messages from staff and students and internal University mail will be left there for you to collect. Youmay also use the pigeonholes to leave notes for each other. You should check your pigeonholeon a regular basis (at least weekly).

Learning about IT at LeedsYou will be given some written information toenable you to become familiar with the basicsof the Leeds computer system, including e-mail, word processing and the internet.Further documentation can be found at:http://www.leeds.ac.uk/iss/documentation/Handing in workThe deadlines and place for handing in work, and the form that the work should take should beclearly specified in the module handbook. Because the collection of essays is extremely timeconsuming for the staff concerned, it is not possible to take in essays before the due date. Youshould keep an electronic copy of any work handed in to the University and obtain a receipt.Students often complain that they have lost their work because of some form of computer failure.The University provides space on their systems where you can save your work (the “m” drive) andyou should make a habit of keeping copies of all of your work here. This has the advantage that theUniversity system keeps back up copies so this ensures that your work is always retrievable. Lossof work for computer problems is not a valid excuse for lateness when handing in work..Keeping the School InformedTrying to keep accurate records on all our students is not an easy task! We need to keep up to datefiles with information on your address, choice of modules, exam marks, etc., and we cannot achieveany of this without your help and co-operation.Changes of any sort should be reported to the School Office. There are forms outside the office tonote a change of address [It is also possible to change your address online onhttp://portal.leeds.ac.uk and click on student services and admin]You should also let the office know if you have been ill and unable to work so that allowances can bemade if necessary. Full details regarding who you need to speak to and what you need to do are inthe BA handbook which will be given to you on your arrival.

Student Representative Committee and the Staff Student CommitteeThe Student Representative Committee is a body ofstudents who are elected each year. For furtherinformation see the notice board outside the UGoffice, or leave a message for them in the pigeonhole in the office.The SRC meets on a regular basis and it alsomeets with members of POLIS staff. This meeting iscalled the Staff/Student Committee. The agenda forthis is set by you, the student. It covers academicand pastoral support and other more generalissues, including the day-to-day running of theSchool.via their pigeonhole in the office.Please contact a student representative if you haveany queries or issues you feel should be added to ameeting agenda, or you can contact the committeeBeing a representative on the Student Representative Committee /Staff Student Committee is veryworthwhile, so do consider volunteering. It also looks good on your CV.The POLIS SocietyThe POLIS Society is an elected body of POLIS student representatives who strive to bringtogether all students within the School, through social events, sports and networking. The POLISSociety is a also part of Leeds University Union. For further information you can email them onpolissoc@gmail.com, or alternatively on Facebook at “The Official LUU POLIS Society.”Peer MentoringThe Peer Mentoring Scheme was set up in order to make the transition from school, or college assmooth as possible. Experienced students volunteer to become mentors and have attendedtraining to give support and encouragement in your first few months so that you settle well intoyour new life at Leeds. You will receive an application form to be a peer mentee in your welcomepack along with an information booklet. If you wish to become a mentee and we hope you do,please return the form to us as soon as possible. We will look forward to seeing you at our socialon Thursday 2-4pm in Roger Stevens Lecture Theatre 24 where you will meet your new mentors.7

The University wants all taught students to get the very best out of the whole experience of comingto Leeds to study. With this in mind, a new interactive website, ‘Leeds for Life’(www.leeds.ac.uk/leedsforlife) provides information and links to resources which will help you toget the best out of your degree and student life.Leeds for Life can help you have an enjoyable and successful academic experience, ensuring youmake the most of your degree work, as well as the time outside and beyond your study.Check out the website and discuss this with your Personal Tutor.Disabled Student SupportThe University of Leeds is committed to providing high-quality advice and support for studentswho:• are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially-sighted• have a physical or mobility impairment• have a long-term medical condition or mental health difficulty• have a specific learning difficulty (for example, dyslexia)• have a developmental learning disability (for example, Asperger Syndrome or ADHD)• have a combination of these.Our Disability Team is based within the University’s Equality Service.What services are available?Disabled students can access a range of support services, subject to availability and suitability,without applying for additional funding, including:• disabled students’ early induction programme• handouts and lecture presentations in advance• access to campus-based computers with assistive technology (including text-tospeech,mind-mapping and magnification software)• equipment loan• adaptations to University accommodation• modified examination arrangements or extended library loans• information and support from the Disability Team, including drop-in and guidancesessions.The Disability Team can either arrange these services for you or, in some cases, point you in thedirection of the appropriate part of the University.To access a range of other support services, you are likely to need to apply for additional funding.These services include:• an assessment of academic support needs• one-to-one learning strategy support• transcription services for blind or partially-sighted students (to convert academicinformation into accessible formats, including braille, large print, e-text and audio)• Personal Assistant and/or Notetaker support• sign language interpreting.

Can I receive help with funding for support services?Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) funding is available to most disabled and dyslexic studentsfrom the UK. This funding is intended to assist with disability-related costs resulting from yourcourse of study. It is not a loan, nor is it means tested. For most students, this funding will comefrom your Local Authority or funding body. We strongly recommend that you start applying forDisabled Students’ Allowance early because the process can take a while. The Disability Teamcan advise you about sources of funding or help you fill in the application forms.For international students, particularly those from outside the European Economic Area, eligibilityfor funding is complex. We advise you to contact us as soon as possible to discuss the supportand funding you may need whilst studying at Leeds. If you are being sponsored, financialassistance may be available from your sponsor. We can also provide your sponsor with moreinformation about these costs, if you would find this helpful.What if I need modified examination arrangements?If you feel you might need some kind of modification in your exams (for example, extra time), youshould contact the Disability Team as soon as possible to discuss what we can offer. You willneed to provide evidence of your individual circumstances. The registration deadline for SemesterOne exams is the end of October, and, for Semester Two, the end of March.How can I contact the Disability Team?To discuss the support or funding that you might require at Leeds, our contact details are:Telephone: +44 (0)113 343 3927 (Calls via RNID Typetalk are welcome)Textphone: +44 (0)113 343 2616Fax: +44 (0)113 343 3944Email:Website:Post:disability@leeds.ac.ukwww.equality.leeds.ac.ukDisability Team, Equality ServiceUniversity of LeedsLeeds LS2 9JTYou do not need to wait until you arrive in Leeds before you contact us. In fact, it is helpful if youcontact us as soon as possible to enable us to arrange your support.9

Appendix 1Key ModulesPIED1100 British Politics20 credits semester 2• Is ‘New Labour’ either new or Labour?• Is it Britain’s destiny to be always the‘awkward partner’ of Europe?• Did Mrs Thatcher save Britain from terminaldecline?• How democratic is Britain?Courtesy of the Independent (with thanks)The module aims to provide an introduction to British politics since 1945, focussing on key debatesabout the changing character and conduct of politics; the social and economic context of politics;political ideas and party alignments; Britain’s international position and constitutionaldevelopments. Topics covered include: the postwar consensus; the debate about British 'decline';Thatcherism; Blairism and New Labour; Britain and the world in the 20th century; Britain and theEU; social context of British politics; mass media and politics; democracy in Britain; constitutionalreform and the future of the UK.It provides a foundation for further study of British politics at levels 2 and 3, where key themes -including recent political history, British central government, local government, electoral politics,the parties, Britain and Europe - can be studied in depth in specialist modules.Those with little or no knowledge of British politics are encouraged to take this opportunity to boneup. A-level students will find an opportunity to extend the breadth and depth of their knowledge.Timing Weekly lectures Tues 1-2 Weekly seminars at a time to fit your timetable.Module Leader Dr Tim Heppell, email [provisionally] T.Heppell@leeds.ac.ukAssessment 1 x 3 hour examination (100%)Short Reading List:Marsh, D. (et al) (1997) Postwar British Politics In Perspective, Cambridge:PolityGamble, A. (1988) The Free Economy and the Strong State, London:MacMillanMorgan, K. (1999) The People’s Peace, Oxford: Oxford University PressKavanagh D and Morris D (1994) Consensus Politics10

PIED1211 Making of the Global South20 credits semester 1• How do we account for the currentdivide between the Global North andSouth?• To what extent is colonialismresponsible for the condition of thecontemporary Global South?• What was the relationship betweencolonialism and capitalistindustrialisation in Europe?• What impact did the transatlantic slavetrade have on Africa and the Americas,and on industrial development inEurope?• What was the impact of colonialism onwomen and gender relations?• How did colonised peoples resistcolonial rule and seek independence?• Why was socialism attractive to many post-independence governments?• What are the enduring legacies of colonialism in the contemporary world?These are some of the questions addressed in this module. It provides a political andeconomic history of colonialism in the Americas, Africa and Asia. It aims to provoke reflection onthe relationship between colonialism and capitalist development and the extent to which currentglobal inequalities are outcomes of the colonial past. Two major issues are explored throughout:the impact of colonial rule on socio-economic development in each region; and the relationshipbetween colonialism and European industrialisation. The module also explores contemporarylegacies of the colonial past, such as the ‘fast-track land reform’ programme in Zimbabwe’. Videomaterial is used both in lectures and to facilitate seminar discussion.Timing Weekly lectures Monday 10-11 Weekly seminars at a time to fit your timetable.Module Leader Dr Bina Fernandez, email: [provisionally] B.Fernandez@leeds.ac.uk Assessment1 essay of 3000 words (50%), 1 x 2 hour exam (50%)Short Reading List:Tim Allen and Alan Thomas (eds.), 2000, Poverty and Development into the 21 st CenturyBernard Waites, 1999, Europe and the Third World: From Colonisation to Decolonisation, c.1500-1998Basingstoke : MacmillanEric Wolf, 1997 (2 nd . edition), Europe and the People Without History ,11

PIED1200 Contemporary Development Issues20 credits semester 2Aims and Objectives of the ModuleIn this module we will look at developmentissues using the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs), which form the major currentinternational development agenda, as a steppingstone. Contemporary issues such as conflict,disease, hunger, education, and environmentalsustainability will be discussed from adevelopment perspective. Concepts such aspoverty, famine, trade justice, debt, gender, andhuman security are introduced and used ascritical tools to assess major challenges todevelopment in general, and the MDG agenda inparticular. Lectures are provided by experts inthe respective subject areas. In weeklyseminars, students explore the discussed issuesthrough their own research and will use newsclippings to explore current affairs in international development and to critically examine how oursociety thinks about development.Timing Weekly lectures Thursday 10-11 Weekly seminars at a time to fit your timetable.Module Leader Dr Jelke BoestenAssessment 1 essay of 3000 words plus 1 x 2 hour examShort Reading List:Allen. T. and Thomas, A. 2000, Poverty and Development in the 21 st Century, Oxford: OUPDesai, V. and Potter, R.B. 2002 The Companion to Development Studies, London: Arnold.Kothari, U. and Minogue, M. (eds), 2002, Development Theory and PracticeSachs W (1992) The Development Dictionary. A Guide to Knowledge as Power. London: ZedRoy, A.N. 1999, The Third World in the Age of Globalisation, London: Zed BooksTodaro, M. P. 2003, Economic Development in the Third World12

PIED1300 European Politics20 credits semester 1• What is the character of politics and politicalpower in Europe?• What makes political systems different and why?• What are party systems like and are there newpolitical cleavages emerging?• Will Green Parties become more important?• What is the Nature of Extreme Right Parties?• Who is more powerful in different Europeanpolitical systems: the Prime Minister, PresidentParliament?The module introduces you to the kaleidoscope ofEuropean Politics so that you can begin tounderstand why political systems are different and themain problems that democracies in Europe face. Itconcentrates on France, Germany, Italy andBritain but these four countries will be compared with other Western European countries and withthe new political systems in Eastern Europe.We look at how European countries have become democracies. We will look at the differences inthe power of PMs, Presidents and Parliaments. We will examine the social variations amongEuropean countries and how they produce different patterns of political parties and ask whethertraditional left-right differences are still important. Are new libertarian/authoritarian cleavageschanging traditional party loyalties.Timing Weekly lectures Wednesday 1-2 Weekly seminars at a time to fit your timetable.Module Leader Dr Ed Gouge, room no SSB 13.22, email E.S.Gouge@leeds.ac.uk 343 4404Assessment 1 x 4000 word workbook (50%), 1 x 2000 word essay (30%), one presentation (20%)Short Reading List:P. Hogwood and G.K. Roberts (2 nd . edition 2003) European Politics Today (Manchester University Press)M. Donald Hancock et al, (2 nd . edition 1998) Politics in Western Europe. (Macmillan)A. Cole, (2 nd . edition 2005) French Politics and Society (Prentice Hall)S Gundle and S Parker (eds) (1996) The New Italian Republic From the Fall of the Berlin Wall to Berlusconi(Routledge)13

PIED1330 Debating Europe20 credits semester 2• What is Europe? Does it matter?• Is Europe heading for ecologicalcatastrophe?• Is the EU (and are its member states)racist?• Is Europe safer now than it was during thecold-war?• Can Europe meet the challenge of anaging population?• How true is it to say that the EU has‘fundamentally failed its citizens’?Europe is a rapidly changing entity with little agreement about either what it is or where it isheading, with the early years of the 21 st Century leading to ever more questions about the natureof Europe: Is it right that Europe is often seen as synonymous with the EU? How safe is Europetoday? Can the EU ever hope to be democratic – and is it relevant anyway? Is Europe heading forecological crisis or are the critics doom mongers? Debating Europe will help you to answer suchquestions.The module uses a unique method centred (much as its title suggests) on accessing such issuesthrough staff and student debates, providing a lively and provocative yet informative method ofaccessing a number of subjects which profoundly shape the world within which we all live.Timing Weekly lectures Monday 4-5 Weekly seminars at a time to fit your timetable.Module Leader Dr Nick Robinson, room no SSB 13.44, 3434790, email: N.Robinson@leeds.ac.ukAssessment 20 minute group debate with accompanying written report (50%) 1 x 3000 word essay(50%)Short Reading List:Gowland, D., Dunphy, R. and Lythe, C. (2006) The European Mosaic (Harlow: Pearson), 3 rdEdition.Manners, I. (2003) Europe and the World: Between Regional Integration and Globalisation(Basingstoke: Palgrave) .Sakwa, R. and Stevens, A. (2006) Contemporary Europe (Basingstoke: Macmillan), 2 nd Edition.14

PIED1501 Global Politics and theEnvironment20 credits semester 2• Is a system of sovereign states conducive toenvironmental cooperation?• What is the extent of international cooperationin the "global commons" areas?• Are environmental NGOs a challenge tostates?• How does economic globalisation influenceenvironmental change?• Can we achieve ‘environmental security’?Everyone is concerned about the environment,but what can we do about it? What hope is there for the future of our planet? How can wemanage environmental problems on a global scale? Such questions are addressed in thisintroduction to the international relations of the environment – one module of two in this subjectarea which could collectively add a ‘global environment’ aspect to your degree programme, orsimply offer an alternative perspective in a single module. This level one module provides anintroduction to the political, legal, economic and spacial dimensions of the global commons - thoseareas beyond national jurisdiction and sometimes called the ‘common heritage’ of humankind -and the new environmental challenges to the management of our shared world are introduced inthe context of global politics. The module introduces such topics as: the limits of the territorialstate; the legal and political definitions of the global commons; international regimes; economicactivity, resources and the environment; and 'sustainable development'.. Interests and insightsestablished through this module at level one can be developed through a related ‘globalenvironment’ module at level three (Global Political Theory and the Environment).Timing Weekly lectures Tuesday 10-11 Weekly seminars at a time to fit your timetable.Module Leader Dr Hugh Dyer, email H.C.Dyer@leeds.ac.uk, room no SSB 13.36a 3436840Assessment 1 x 3 hour examinationShort Reading List:DeSombre, Elizabeth R. The Global Environment and World Politics (Continuum Press, 2002) [GeographyK-25 DES]Elliott, Lorraine The Global Politics of the Environment (New York, NY: New York University Press,1998) HDC [Politics C-6.9 ELL]Vogler, John The Global Commons: environmental and technological governance (Chichester; New York:J. Wiley & Sons, 2000) [Politics Q-0.7 VOG]15

PIED1541/42 Globalisation20 credits semester 1 or 2Are you interested in:• understanding the evolution of globalpolitics from the rise of the modernstate to the present day?• understanding the processes thatare potentially undermining themodern nation-state and why theyare so controversial?• understanding the context ofAmerica's 'war on terrorism' and thefuture trajectory of global politics?The module provides an introductory account of globalisation and gives you a firm foundation forfurther study. In weeks 1 to 3 you will learn how the modern state system evolved out of medievalEurope and how, through a process of colonisation and decolonisation it became universalised. Inweeks 4 to 5 you will examine the impact of the great ideological revolutions of modern times, andthe Cold War. In week 6 you will benefit from a workshop on study skills, examination preparationand essay writing. In weeks 7 and 9 you will examine changes in the global political environmentincluding apparent rise of a ‘global economy’ and the increased power of transnational actors. Youwill assess the impact such processes are having on our understanding of development, povertyand democracy. The final lectures will examine the nature of the backlash against globalisationincluding the nature of the 'anti-globalisation movement' and the impact of the 'war on terrorism’.Timing Weekly lectures Monday 1-2 Weekly seminars at a time to fit your timetable.Module Leader (semester 1and 2) Dr Bradley Evans, room no Botany 3.05, 01133436791, email:B.Evans@leeds.ac.ukAssessment IT and library task (20%), 1 x 3000 word essay (60%), one presentation (20%)Short Reading List:Held and A McGrew (2002) Globalisation/Anti-Globalisation Cambridge:PolityMB Steger (2003) Globalisation: a very short introduction Oxford :OUP16

PIED1511/12 International Politics20 credits semester 1 or 2Are you interested in understanding:• The main ideas, concepts and philosophies thatinform the contemporary world order?• Why the Cold War ended and what replaced it?• How is foreign policy made?• What role does America play in the ‘New WorldOrder?’• How does ‘globalisation’ affect the way statesbehave?• Are we living in a ‘world society’ or are weexperiencing a ‘clash of civilisations’?• Why do academics and politicians differ so muchon the importance attached to these and otherissues?In short, are you interested in understanding thecomplex changes currently underway in theinternational system and what this means for politics across the globe? The International Politicsmodule is specifically designed to cover these kinds of issues and to provide you with anintroduction to the concepts that enable you to make your own judgements about these centralquestions.Essential for comprehending the background behind the events that dominate our daily news,International Politics is the key if you want to make sense of the increasingly globalpolitical world that we all now inhabit.Timing: Weekly lectures Tuesdays 11-12 Weekly seminars at a time to fit your timetable.Module Leaders: Dr Naomi Head, email: N.C.Head@leeds.ac.uk; Dr Jason Ralph, room 13.41 ESS Building, 3434429, email: J.G.Ralph@leeds.ac.ukAssessment] Part 1 – 1 x 3000 word mid-semester essay Part 2 - 1 x 3000 word end of semester essay.Short Reading List:J Baylis and S Smith (eds.), The Globalisation of World Politics: An introduction to international relations(Oxford OUP, 2001 2 nd Edition)Robert Jackson and Georg Sorensen, Introduction to International Politics: theories and approaches (Oxford:OUP, 2003 2 nd Edition)17

PIED1600 Freedom, Power andDemocracy: an Introduction toPolitical Ideas20 credits semester 1• Do you believe in democracy and freedom?• What do these ideas mean?• Why do you believe in them?• Are they realised in practice?• How does power really operate in our society?• What use are political ideas?If you have ever asked yourself these questions, and want to be able to debate them moreintelligently, then this is the module for you. You don't have to have studied politics before. If youhave, then it will give you the opportunity to deepen the knowledge you have already acquired. Thismodule fits well with any other first year elective in politics to give you a good grasp of debates aboutpolitics and political ideas. It provides a solid foundation for further study in politics and socialscience.Timing: Weekly lectures Monday 4-5 Weekly seminars at a time to fit your timetable.Module Leader Dr Ricardo Blaug, room no Social Studies 13.33, extn 36663, email:D.R.Blaug@leeds.ac.ukAssessment 2 assessed tutorial presentations, 20% each. One assessed essay of 2000 words 60%Short Reading List:A. Arblaster, Democracy (1994) Open University PressB.Goowin (1997) Using Political Ideas, Wiley.N.P.Barry (1995)An Introduction to Modern Political Theory, MacmillanM.Ramsay (1997), What’s Wrong with Liberalism? London, Leicester University Press18

PIED1805 Contemporary Africas:History, Society and Culture20 credits semester 1• What issues concern Africans in relation topolitical and social development?• What is the importance of culture: music,dance, theatre and literature, in relation toAfrican identities?• What impact did colonialism and the West haveon Africa?• Are women oppressed in Africa?This module will focus on the history, society and culture of postcolonial Africa. It is intended to bean introductory course for students interested in, but not at present necessarily particularlyknowledgeable about, issues in contemporary African societies. By the end of the module studentswill have an understanding of a range of key issues relevant to the creation of contemporarysocieties in Africa. The module will begin with an overview of the recent history of the continent,and will move on to consider key topics such as the arts, development, language, politcs, genderand theology. In order to help nurture understanding of the range of African societies there will bea certain number of classes focussing on case studies from particular countries such as Egypt,Tanzania and South Africa.Timing: Weekly lectures Friday 2-3 Weekly seminars at a time to fit your timetable.Module Leader Professor Jane Plastow, English Workshop Theatre 3434722 email:J.E.Plastow@leeds.ac.ukAssessment 2 essays of 3000 wordsShort Reading List:Jean-Francois Bayart, The State in Africa, Longman, 1993Andrea Cornwall, ed, Readings in Gender in Africa, James Currey, 2005John Iliffe, Africans, a history of the continent, Cambridge University Press, 1995A.M. Mazrui, English in Africa after the Cold War, Cleveden, 2003Zakes Mda, Ways of Dying, Oxford University Press, 199519

Appendix 2Key PlacesDuring Intro Week, you might want to look around the campus and to try to find outwhere your lecture and seminar rooms are located. You should also find out whereyour pigeonhole and the noticeboards can be found.

Botany HouseThis used to be populated by plant science people, hence thepeculiar name. The main thing to remember is that access tothe building is through the “back” doors opposite the GreatHall. There are two seminar rooms on the first floor and somestaff have offices here.Edward Boyle Library Level 7 Conference roomBotany HouseEnter the Edward Boyle Library (EBL) which is number 6 on the map – note that you will generallyneed your student card to enter, and turn left after the turnstiles. Enter the staircase and descendto the bottom (Level 7) where you will find the Conference Room. Alternatively, on entering theEBL, take the lift down to Level 8. From the lift, turn right and make your way to the end of theLibrary. A wheelchair lift is available for access to the Conference Room. A sign indicating that asession in progress will be lit; if you are late, please enter quietly.Environment LT FIf you stand with your back to Botany House, you should hopefully be facingthe entrance to Clothworkers Court (see photo). Walk through the brickarch, then through a further arch, and then straight ahead until you see theSchool of Earth & Environment in front of you. Enter the building. Walkpast Lecture Theatre E (which is downstairs the first room on your left).Carry on down the corridor and through two sets of double doors andLecture Theatre F is down a couple of stairs to the leftRoger StevensNumber 10 on the map overleaf. From the main entrance to the Social Sciences building turn leftand go through the red doors at the top of the steps. At the end of the corridor turn right andalmost immediately left.Social Sciences BuildingThis is the main building as far as the School is concerned, although we are also based in BotanyHouse. Room 13.24 is the main point of call after the first week (during the introductory week youshould go to the Help Desk). Various staff have offices in this building and a list will be available.The common room leads off the main staircase at level 13. If you are facing the staff photographs,then it is through the door on your left.21

Appendix 3Key Dates2008/09 2009/10 2010/11Start of Term 24 Sep 23 Sep 22 SepSemester 1 teaching begins 29 Sep 28 Sep 27 SepEnd of term 1 12 Dec 11 Dec 10 Dec(Semester 1 teaching ends)HOLIDAYBeginning of term 2 2 Jan 11 Jan 10 JanExamination/Assessment period 12 Jan* - 11 Jan* - 10 Jan* -*Assessed work handed in 23 Jan 22 Jan 21 JanSemester 2 teaching begins 26 Jan 25 Jan 24 JanEnd of term 2 20 Mar 19 Mar 8 AprHOLIDAYBeginning of term 3 20 Apr 19 Apr 9 MayBank Holidays 4 May 3 May 2 MaySemester 2 teaching ends 8 May 7 May 8 AprRevision Week begins 11 May 10 May 9 MayBank Holidays 25 May- 31 May 30 May26 May 1 June 31 MayExam/Assessment period 18 May*- 17 May*- 16 May*-*Assessed work handed in 5 June 4 June 3 JuneDegree Ceremonies 13 July- 12 July- 11 July-24 July 23 July 22 JulyResits 18 Aug- 17 Aug- 16 Aug-28 Aug 27 Aug 26 AugNote that these dates may be subject to change. You are expected to be available throughout termtime, for the essay handing in date, and for resits, so please be sure not to make otherarrangements, e.g. for holidays, which might clash with your study commitments. If your plannedholiday clashes with a resit (and it has happened), things could be very awkward. You should alsorealise that examinations can take place on Saturdays.22

…………………………………………………………………………………………Has this been useful?Please fill this in and hand it in at any of the meetings during the first week. We really wouldappreciate it if you could take the time to complete it. ThanksStudent Handbook Evaluation Form (please continue on a separate sheet if youwish)I. Did the handbook arrive in time to address your information needs?2. Was it well structured?3. Was it relevant?4. Did it answer your questions fully?5. Has there been anything you needed to know about which was missing from thehandbook?6. Any further comments.Please continue on a separate sheet if you wish23

POLIS First Year timetable Semester 1MON9 - 10 10 - 11 11 - 12 12 - 1 1 – 2 2 - 3 3 - 4 4 - 5 5 - 6TUEWEDTHUFRI

POLIS First Year timetable Semester 2MON9 - 10 10 - 11 11 - 12 12 - 1 1 - 2 2 - 3 3 - 4 4 - 5 5 - 6TUEWEDTHUFRI26

Larger printversions of thishandbook areavailable.Telephone the officeon 0113 343 4382/4384/6780 for acopy.

POLISRoom 13.24Social Sciences BuildingUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JT 0113 343 4382/4384Email: polisugmodules@leeds.ac.ukWebsite: http://www.polis.leeds.ac.uk/28