Module Information

Module Identifier
IPM7530
Module Title
DEVOLUTION AT WORK
Academic Year
2012/2013
Co-ordinator
Dr Elin Royles
Semester
Semester 2

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 1 x 3,500 word Analytical Diary  40%
Semester Assessment 1 x 2,500 word Report  30%
Semester Assessment 1 x 2,500 word Essay  30%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate, through written work, an ability to relate specific examples of their experiences of Welsh politics to the existing debates and issues in broader academic literature on Welsh Politics
2. Describe and analyse the organisational and decision-making structures of their placement organisation.
3. Discuss the working arrangements of the Welsh Government and National Assembly for Wales and analyse their relationship with other levels of government.
4. Illustrate and evaluate the different channels for influencing the Welsh Government and National Assembly and their policy and legislative processes.
5. Reflect and evaluate their skills base, including written, oral, transferrable and employability skills. As part of this, reflect on how work based learning has enhanced their skills and skills awareness.

Content

This module aims to build on the practical insights that can be gained into the working of Welsh devolution and Welsh politics post-devolution through work based learning. It provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on, develop and enhance written, oral, transferrable and employability skills. The module will provide students with an opportunity to bridge between the arguments outlined in academic books and journals and first hand experience of the workings of the devolution process and how key actors engage with each other. It will entail a 5-6 week period in a workplace (or equivalent to 25-30 days). The intention is that students will be located at a public, private or third sector organisation directly involved in Welsh politics on a daily basis.

In the past, the following have agreed to offered placements: Assembly Commission; Welsh Local Government Association; BBC Political Unit; Morgan and Cole Solicitors; Frances Balsom Associates (FBA); Grayling Public Relations.


Brief description

This module aims to enhance student understanding and study of Welsh politics through the insights gained through work based learning in one of a number of bodies that are involved in Welsh politics on a daily basis.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Numerical data collection will not be a central component of this module.
Communication Students will learn how to present their ideas both verbally and in writing and how to assert themselves to advantage. They will undertand the importance of information and clear communication and how to exploit these.
Improving own Learning and Performance The module aims to promote self-management but within a context of assistance from both the convenor and fellow students alike. students will be expected to improve their own learning and performance by undertaking their own research and to exercise their own initiative.
Information Technology Students will be expected to submit their work in wordprocessed format. Also students will be encouraged to search for sources of information on the web, as well as seeking sources through electronic information sources (such as BIDS and OCLC).
Personal Development and Career planning The fact that the module allows students to spend a period working in an institution that plays an active part in the politics of post-devolution Wales will give them an insight to the kind of careers that may be open to them once they complete their studies.
Problem solving Independent project work and problem solving will be one of the central goals of the module; the submission of essays and a review essay will require that the student develops independent research skills as well as problem solving skills.
Research skills The submission of essays and a report will reflect the independent research skills of the student. The need to locate appropriate research resources and write up the results will also facilitate research skills.
Subject Specific Skills Students will have the opportunity to develop, practice and test a wide range of subject specified skills that help them to understand, conceptualise and evaluate examples and ideas. These include, collect and understand a wide range of data; ability to evaluate competing perspectives.
Team work During the work placement students will be required to settle into a new environment and then perform the tasks that are set for them. This will include supporting the work of permanent staff.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7