Politics in the City: London and Political Power

Module Rationale 

On this module students will explore the politics of London, and its historical and current political culture. Through the module we will explore the broad themes and issues related to British Politics. To this end, it is a contemporary-focused course, that makes reference to our more recent political history. The module will examine the historic governance of London, covering the period from 2000 to the present day. This will include explanation of the multi-tiered and complex nature of London’s government, before moving on to considering what issues this provides with regards to the effective representation of the populace. Issues of the political use of space are also considered. Why has London become such a focal point for protests, riots, and demonstrations? How do art, architecture and politics interact in London? How do citizens directly engage in the political culture of the city? These questions and more will be actively discussed and debated during the course.

Learning Outcomes 

Students who successfully complete this module will: 

• have an enriched understanding of London’s politics; 

• have an deepened understanding of the social, economic and cultural contexts surrounding London’s politics; 

• increase their comprehension of the changing dynamics of London’s governance throughout history; 

• critically understand the intersections of issues such as race, gender politics, and campaigns within London’s political arenas; 

• enhance skills of argument and evidencing; and 

• enhance research skills.

Teaching and Learning 

This module will be taught intensively as part of the International Summer School, using a mixture of field trips and classroom seminars. Together, we will explore the politics, recent historical governance, and political culture of London. The lectures will be used as “launchpads” for the deeper learning that we will undertake on field trips. We will visit key political places & spaces around London before unpicking them further in subsequent class discussions. For instance, we will head to the heart of power in London and think about how political spaces such as Parliament Square have shaped not just our national political character but, as importantly, the experiences of local Londoners. Similarly, consideration of London’s long history of tensions around racial politics will enable us to revise and challenge our preconceptions about how the art and architecture of London has shaped its political environment.

Indicative Schedule: Session & Topic 

1- Introduction: Welcome to the strange world of British Politics 

2- The Mayor of London and the multi-tiered nature of London’s governance since 2000 

3- Field trip 1: Parliament Square, Trafalgar Square and Parliament 

4- The Art of Politics: Art, Architecture and Politics 

5- Field trip 2: political art & architecture in London 

6- A Riot of Trouble: Demonstrations, Protests and Politics 

7- Field trip 3: Theatre trip to play covering British Politics 

8- Race, Gender, and Access: London’s Politics through Diversity 

9- Panel speakers 

10- Final discussions: Where, What and Who is Political in London? 

11- Assessment

Assessment 

Students will be asked to produce a final piece, worth 100% of the module grade. This will take the form a 2,000-word essay covering the following topic: ‘Critically discuss the nature of London’s contemporary political environment, with reference to at least one of the following aspects: art, architecture, race, gender, governance institutions.’ This will allow students to both tailor their work whilst remaining in line with the overall objectives of the module (ie. To encourage students to reflect upon the broad and varied aspects of London’s political culture). In doing so, they will be able to provide a comprehensive view of one of more specific aspects of this culture. This will require them to demonstrate skills in research, analysis, writing, reflection and criticality.