Scottish Summer Parliamentary Program
Course Information
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Academic Information
There is a three-week period of intensive instruction in Scottish Politics and Scottish Society and Culture, with parallel classes in each of these topic areas twice a week for two hours, giving a total contact-hours weighting of 24 hours.
The course will help you prepare for the internship portion of the program that follows. The internship will take place over the final five weeks of the program, during which time you will conduct a major academic project and research report. You will have study space in the Parliament building while having an academic base at the University’s Academy of Governance. In addition to the information below, you can find course details at: http://www.aog.ed.ac.uk/professional_education/intership_programme/political_and_cultural_summer_programme.
EDII INPR 310S: Final Research Report
4 semester hours of credit
Assessment for the internship component is derived from a final research report and journal. At the end of their internship placement students are responsible for submitting a report. The topic and length of the report (usually around 5,000 words) will be negotiated between the MSP, the interns' Director of Studies, and the intern. The report is to be submitted to the MSP as well as to the Director of Studies.
In addition, students are expected to submit a journal on their placement activities and observations at the end of placement. The journal should include at least one page per week of the placement, detailing observations of the political process, outlining questions or frustrations, or discuss anything the students find relevant. The impressions and expectations of the internship placement are of particular interest. Students may wish to include copies of newspaper articles, lists of activities and accomplishments, notes of meetings, speeches or political events.
EDII PSSC 350S Scottish Politics, Society and Culture
4 semester hours of credit
Scottish Politics
(View course description)
A basic introduction to Scottish politics. It considers the nature of Scottish autonomy and institutions within the British state. It examines the development of the national movement, and analyses the factors underpinning support for the Scottish Parliament. It considers the nature and extent of the 1997 devolution settlement and provides an understanding of the powers and structures of the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament, the Scottish party system and the policy-making process. Scottish political identities and party politics are also considered in comparative perspective.
Class meets twice a week for two hours in the Seminar Room in Chisholm House. The course will involve a combination of lectures and tutorials. Students are expected to read the prescribed texts prior to class in order to respond constructively to lectures and participate fully in class discussions. The lectures and tutorials will be complemented by activities in the afternoon, including visits to the Scottish Parliament and Edinburgh City Chambers.
Assessment will be based on two pieces of work: a short mid-term project worth 40% and a final class exam worth 60% of the final grade. For the mid-term project, students will be required to write a briefing paper (max 3 pages) on an aspect of Scottish politics. Two copies of the paper should be submitted to the Institute of Governance Main Office. The class exam is designed to test knowledge and understanding acquired through readings, lectures and tutorial discussions.
Scottish Society and Culture
(View course description)
Scottish Society and Culture provides an introduction to Scottish society and culture. Scotland being an old country, with a long national history, means that many sociological features have been long in the making; Scotland being a small country, particularly in terms of population, affects the form and frequency of social interaction. The course progresses from the larger context of the economic, social and cultural history and identity of modern Scotland and the examination of key institutions which shape Scottish life, on to social groupings and, finally, to expressions of culture and the arts, especially the literature of Scotland.
The class meets twice a week for two hours in the Seminar Room in Chisholm House. The course involves a combination of lectures and tutorials. Students are expected to read the prescribed texts prior to class in order to respond constructively to lectures and participate fully in class discussions. The lectures and tutorials are complemented by activities in the afternoon, including visits to museums and galleries.
Assessment is based on two pieces of work: a short oral presentation submitted in written form (20%) and a c.2,500 word final essay (80%). Two copies of presentation paper and final essay are submitted to the Institute of Governance Main Office.
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