REPORTING GOVERNMENT module- PAPER NEEDS TO BE 1ST CLASS QUALITY

If you need access to the lecture PowerPoints let me know and I’ll email them over. I’ve put
a list of all lecture PowerPoints at the bottom of this brief.

Reference: APA 6th (Harvard) style

deadline 15/8/18

Assessed On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

intended
learning Knowledge and Understanding
outcomes  Recognize the roles of national and regional government;
 Demonstrate an awareness of the division of power between various tiers of government
and be conscious of the limitations of that power;
 Cognisant of the workings of local and other authorities, including knowledge of sources
of information in preparation of a piece of politically oriented journalism;
 Possess a comprehensive understanding of the function and operation of national
government in the UK in a comparative and political context;
 Have the ability to analyse issues associated with local and national government.

Transferable/Key Skills and other Attributes

 Gather, organise and deploy information in ways that are legally safe and ethically
responsible
 Exercise good judgement in analysing problems;
 Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively;
 Apply research techniques effectively;
 Gather, organise and deploy ideas and information to formulate arguments cogently, and
express them effectively in written work and oral forms;
 Work productively in a group, showing abilities at different times to listen, contribute
and lead effectively
Task details and Choose ONE of these questions and write an essay of 1,500 words:
instructions
1. Prime Minister Theresa May expected to win a sweeping victory in the general election
on 8 June 2017, however she is now a minority government. Explain the powers of Prime
Minister and analyse how she can be held to account – and those powers limited.
2. Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the Freedom of Information Act and how it is a
valuable resource for journalists to hold government and public bodies to account.
3. The Sovereign Grant has risen from £42.8 million to £76 million in 2017-2018. Critically
evaluate the role played by the Queen in British life and analyse why the UK keeps a
constitutional monarchy instead of a president.
4. The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union. Analyse the roles of the
European Commission, the Council of Ministers, the European Parliament and the
European Council – and the arguments for and against Brexit.
5. NHS data shows record levels of emergency unit attendance, with rising numbers waiting
longer for treatment. Discuss who commissions, provides and regulates health and social
care – and examine the current issues that are putting so much pressure on the NHS?

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 You should:

1. Write in formal English in the style of an academic essay.

2. Identify the correct roles, powers and responsibilities of national and regional
government, and other public bodies;
3. Explain using different arguments from the textbooks, academic articles, government
reports and the media (using at least five different sources).
4. Display critical analysis (not just description) of the issues facing journalists reporting on
government and public affairs.
5. Give relevant examples;
6. Cite all your sources both within the essay and at the end of the essay, using APA 6th
Harvard referencing.
7. Submit original work that has not been published or submitted anywhere else before
(including other educational establishments). Plagiarism will be penalised (including self-
plagiarism).
Word Your assessment should be 1,500 words. This includes quotation but not the list of references at
count/duration the end.
(if applicable)

Marking Marks for your assessment will be allocated based on the following marking criteria:
criteria/scheme

 Critical analysis of issues facing journalists

 Ability to engage the reader and present an argument
 Evidence of engagement with wider reading
 Knowledge of government and public affairs
 Writing style and good use of English

IMPORTANT - THINGS THAT MAY LEAD YOUR WORK TO BE MARKED AS A FAIL

The standard of your work will be assessed in line with the stated assessment criteria but you
should note there are a number of critical issues that may lead to your work to be marked as a
fail (i.e. below 40%) irrespective of the quality of other aspects. These include:

 A serious legal error of a type that would cause significant problems in the workplace (i.e.
defamation or contempt)
 Serious factual errors
 Fabricating information (e.g. making up quotes or other details)
 Not fulfilling the requirements set out in the assignment brief. For example:
o not providing the required word count – you are permitted no more than 10%
leeway above or below the stated requirement
 A failure to use the required referencing style. For all written academic assignments this
is always APA 6th (Harvard) style
 Plagiarism (copying someone else’s work without crediting it). This constitutes serious
academic misconduct and can have significant consequences in line with university
regulations.

Recommended reading list:

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Lecture PowerPoint – if you need them let me know:

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