Case Based Learning in Politics
Cases available for use
These are the first eight cases produced by the Case Based Learning in Politics project at the University of Huddersfield. They are not the 'finished' product, but are ready for piloting. We would be delighted for you to download them and use them with your students - all we ask is that you let us know how you got on with them, any problems you had, improvements you can suggest etc. Please provide your feedback.
- Please note that some pages are mainly blank in order to separate the tutor notes from the scenario - please make sure you scroll right to the end!
1. The Voice of the People?
- Through looking at a consultation process, this case addresses issues of democracy, inclusion, and representation. It would be useful on theoretical courses on democracy, as well as where consultation is an issue in areas such as social policy.
2. Diverse and Equal?
- This case seeks to get behind an often superficial discourse of equality and diversity, and examine the assumptions that underlie it. It will be useful for students studying workplace equality and diversity policies, and equally valuable for more theoretical courses covering equality and/or multiculturalism.
3. All Change!
- This is a more practically orientated case, examining how change - and the people it affects - can be managed in a public sector organisation.
4. But we're all Volunteers!
- Another work-based case, this time addressing the particular needs and problems of the voluntary sector. Useful - and will strike a chord with - anyone who works with volunteers, and to volunteers themselves.
5. All in a Good Cause?
- This deceptively short and simple case raises important ethical conflicts in a multicultural context.
6. What goes up ...
- This case is based in local government, but has much broader relevance, particularly for courses covering political lobbying, and conflict, negotiation and compromise.
7. Who elected you?
- Another local government based case with wider relevance, this scenario uses role play to draw out issues of democratic authority, party politics, and the policy process.
8. Slap an ASBO on them!
- This scenario was designed to be used with interdisciplinary groups of students from Politics, Sociology and Criminology, although it could be used with single-discipline groups as well. It leaves students to identify and define three different potential 'problems' from their various disciplinary perspectives.