UK legal system and society: schedule 2014-15
Oakland, John (2011) British Civilization An Introduction 7th Edition: Routledge
Huxley-Binns & Martin (2014) Unlocking the English Legal System 4th Edition: Routledge
November 17
The UK in a historical context
Oakland pp. 3-9, 56-62, 83-87, 128-136
January 5, 12
Devolution: Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
Oakland pp. 25, 74-76, 113-115, 136-141
January 19
Immigration and identities
Oakland pp. 12, 63-79
January 26, Feb 2, 9
The legal system
Oakland pp. 144-170; see sheet for Huxley-Binns & Martin references
February 16, 23
The political system and constitutional issues
Oakland pp. 82-119
March 2
Education
Oakland pp. 232-254, 299
March 9
The media
Oakland pp. 258-267, 274-278
UK legal system and society – compulsory essay
Write about 1000 words on ONE of the following:
1. “Pale, male and stale.” In what respects do senior English judges differ from their Norwegian
counterparts? Compare them in terms of education, training, appointment, career path, social
class and diversity in general.
2. Explain the increasing focus on Britishness in recent years and consider why the issue is
more topical than ever in 2014.
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Keep your language relatively formal: avoid colloquialisms and contracted forms, and
make use of essay tips (Grammar p. 31).
Use at least 1.5 line spacing and provide a list of the sources (books, articles, web pages)
you have consulted.
As this is a chance for you to practise and get feedback on your writing, don’t waste
your time and mine by producing sections of copy and paste.
Deadline: February 16 (in class). Remember your name and email address.