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School of Law, Politics and Sociology

Corruption and Public Power (720M3B)

Corruption and Public Power

Module 720M3B

Module details for 2022/23.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)

Module Outline

This module studies how corruption may affect the three main branches of power: the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. Through key examples, the module also unpacks some of the causes of corruption in the branches of power and examines how public sector corruption affects the public good. Specifically, the module examines the role of parliaments in tackling corruption and the ways in which corruption affects them. Some of the main corruption-related issues in the executive, such as political influences, public procurement, funding of political parties and influence of politics on the media will be examined. Moreover, problems with corruption in public administrations and the police at both the central and local level will be considered. We will also discuss corruption in the judiciary, including the importance of the principles of independence and accountability.

Module learning outcomes

Use suitable analytical tools to identify causes and to explain patterns of corruption in the public sphere, including major risk areas and weakness within the three branches of public power.

Critically evaluate legislative and regulatory initiatives to fight corruption in the public sphere.

Demonstrate understanding of ‘real world’ corruption problems in the public sphere by developing a case study on a specific corruption problem.

Demonstrate written analytical skills in the evaluation of key issues related to corruption in the public sphere.

TypeTimingWeighting
Coursework100.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
EssayA2 Week 1 70.00%
MediaT2 Week 7 (10 minutes)30.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Spring SemesterSeminar2 hours11111111111

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Dr Rebecca Dobson Phillips

Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/307972

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