Ideas and politics in contemporary Britain, U-Now OpenCourseWare

The University of Nottingham,
King's Meadow Campus,
Lenton Ln, Nottingham NG7 2NR, United Kingdom,

Course Description,
The aim of this module is to explain and assess the nature and role of ideas and ideologies in British politics. Specifically, it examines how and why the policies of the 'mainstream' parties (Conservative, Labour and the Liberal Democrats) have been affected by ideas and ideologies, on the one hand, and political pragmatism, on the other. It also explores the ideas and ideologies of minor parties and "new social movements" and their role and significance for the study and practice of politics in Britain today.

As taught Spring Semester 2011.