![Stephen Thornton](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/2367?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Dr Stephen Thornton
Reader in Politics and Programme Director
Ysgol y Gyfraith a Gwleidyddiaeth
- ThorntonSL@caerdydd.ac.uk
- +44 29208 76095
- Adeilad y Gyfraith, Ystafell 2.39, Rhodfa'r Amgueddfa, Caerdydd, CF10 3AX
- Ar gael fel goruchwyliwr ôl-raddedig
Trosolwyg
My research tends to focus on twentieth century British political history, my latest book being Demolishing Whitehall: Leslie Martin, Harold Wilson and the Architecture of White Heat (with Adam Sharr of Newcastle University). This received commendation during the RIBA President’s Awards for Research in 2014, the judges noting that the book was ‘rigorously researched’, and made for ‘a fascinating read’. As a result of this work I was recently awarded Fellowship of the Royal Historical Society. Future work will explore further links between politics and architecture, and I will also be investigating the constitutionally murky position of deputy to the British prime minister. I also write about issues concerning learning and teaching in Politics.
Cyhoeddiad
2023
- Thornton, S. and Kirkup, J. 2023. From Rab to Raab: the construction of the office of first secretary of state. Parliamentary Affairs 76(1), pp. 186-210., article number: gsab038. (10.1093/pa/gsab038)
2022
- Thornton, S. and Kirkup, J. 2022. Liz Truss names Therese Coffey as her second-in-command – here’s how deputies have performed this key role for past PMs. The Conversation 2022(7 Sept)
- Thornton, S. and Atkinson, D. B. 2022. Everywhere and nowhere: information literacy in the political science classroom. PS: Political Science and Politics 55(3), pp. 597-604. (10.1017/S1049096522000397)
- Atkinson, D. and Thornton, S. 2022. The citation behaviours and the academic performance of first-year Political Science students. European Political Science 21, pp. 292-307. (10.1057/s41304-021-00333-x)
2021
- Thornton, S. and Kirkup, J. 2021. As first Secretary of State, is Dominic Raab the second most senior politician in the UK?. [Online]. https://blogs.lse.ac.uk: LSE. Available at: https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/as-first-secretary-of-state-is-dominic-raab-the-second-most-senior-politician-in-the-uk/
- Thornton, S. 2021. Information in a changed information environment: an update. [Online]. www.psa.ac.uk: Political Studies Association (PSA). Available at: http://www.psa.ac.uk/specialist-groups/group-news/information-changed-learning-environment-update
2020
- Thornton, S. 2020. Access to information in a changed learning environment. [Online]. www.bisa.ac.uk: BISA/PSA. Available at: https://www.bisa.ac.uk/articles/access-information-changed-learning-environment
- Thornton, S. and Kirkup, J. 2020. Boris Johnson is in intensive care, so who is in charge in the UK?. The Conversation
2019
- Thornton, S. 2019. A longitudinal comparison of information literacy in students starting Politics degrees. Learning and Teaching 12(2), pp. 89-111. (10.3167/latiss.2019.120206)
2017
- Kirkup, J. and Thornton, S. L. 2017. 'Everyone needs a Willie': The elusive position of deputy to the British prime minister. British Politics 12(4), pp. 492-520. (10.1057/bp.2015.42)
- Thornton, S. and Sharr, A. 2017. John Betjeman, policy entrepreneur. Environmental Law and Management 29(4), pp. 158-168.
- Thornton, S. L. 2017. "Even Big Ben has outlived its use": Cedric Price and the Pop-Up Parliament. [Online]. Crick Centre, Sheffield University. Available at: http://www.crickcentre.org/blog/pop-up-parliament/
- Thornton, S. and Kirkup, J. 2017. Why Theresa May should appoint a deputy prime minister. The Conversation
- Thornton, S. and Kirkup, J. 2017. Was Damian Green really the Deputy Prime Minister?. [Online]. LSE. Available at: http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/62576-2/
2016
- Thornton, S. L. 2016. Lessons from New Delhi. [Online]. Sheffield: Crick Centre, Sheffield University. Available at: http://www.crickcentre.org/blog/lessons-from-new-delhi/
2015
- Thornton, S. L. 2015. Promoting Information Literacy and information research. In: Ishiyama, J., Miller, W. J. and Simon, E. eds. Handbook on Teaching and Learning in Political Science and International Relations. Edward Elgar, pp. 121-131.
- Thornton, S. L. 2015. Gothic glory and pop-up parliaments: could past visions help rescue the crumbling Palace of Westminster?. The Conversation 2015(29 Jun)
2013
- Sharr, A. and Thornton, S. L. 2013. Demolishing Whitehall: Leslie Martin, Harold Wilson and the architecture of White Heat. Ashgate Studies in Architecture. Farnham: Ashgate.
2012
- Thornton, S. L. 2012. Trying to learn (politics) in a data-drenched society: can information literacy save us?. European Political Science 11(2), pp. 213-223. (10.1057/eps.2011.20)
- Thornton, S. L. 2012. Issues and controversies associated with the use of new technologies. In: Gormley-Heenan, C. and Lightfoot, S. eds. Teaching Politics and International Relations. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 91-104.
- Thornton, S. L. and Sharr, A. 2012. The white heat of conservation. Presented at: 12th International Docomomo Conference, Espoo, Finland, 7-10 August 2012.
2011
- Thornton, S. L. 2011. We are stuck with technology when what we really want is just stuff that works. In: Curtis, S. and Simon Rofe, J. eds. Does the medium matter? IT-assisted learning and teaching in international relations and politics. Why Social Science Matters Vol. 5. Birmingham, UK: Higher Education Academy Subject Network for Sociology, Anthropology, Politics (C-SAP), pp. 7-11.
2010
- Thornton, S. L. 2010. From "Scuba Diving" to "Jet Skiing"? Information Behavior, Political Science, and the Google Generation. Journal of Political Science Education 6(4), pp. 353-368. (10.1080/15512169.2010.518111)
2009
- Haerkoenen, S. and Thornton, S. L. 2009. Embedding information literacy education across five departments – a Subject Librarian’s perspective. Presented at: Invited paper plus workshop (led with Nigel Morgan) for the Finnish Online University of Applied Sciences (UAS), Tampere, Finland, 15 April 2009.
- Haerkoenen, S. and Thornton, S. L. 2009. Trial and error – student responses to different approaches of embedding information literacy education across five departments. Presented at: Librarians Information Literacy Annual Conference (LILAC) 2009, Cardiff, UK, 30 March - 1 April 2009.
- Thornton, S. L. and Haerkoenen, S. 2009. Attempting to bridge the barrier between academic study and research skills training: Early student responses to a fully integrated academic/skills-based method of assessment. Presented at: PSA Conference, Manchester University, UK, 8 April 2009.
- Thornton, S. L. 2009. Lessons from America: teaching politics with the Google generation. Enhancing Learning in the Social Sciences (ELiSS) 1(3), pp. 1-20.
- Thornton, S. L. 2009. Richard Crossman and the welfare state: pioneer of welfare provision and Labour politics in Post-War Britain. International Library of Political Studies Vol. 27. London: Tauris Academic Studies.
2008
- Thornton, S. L., Palmer, R. and Crowley, M. 2008. Government formation in the National Assembly for Wales. In: Brazier, A. and Kalitowski, S. eds. No overall control? The impact of a "hung parliament" on British politics?. London: Hansard Society, pp. 63-72.
2007
- Thornton, S. L. 2007. Pedagogy, Politics and Information Literacy. Politics 28(1), pp. 50-56. (10.1111/j.1467-9256.2007.00310.x)
2006
- Thornton, S. L. 2006. A case of confusion and incoherence: Social security under Wilson, 1964-1970. Contemporary British History 20(3), pp. 441-459. (10.1080/13619460500407160)
- Thornton, S. L. 2006. Towards public-private partnership: Labour and pensions policy. In: Dorey, P. ed. The Labour Governments 1964-1970. British Politics and Society London: Routledge, pp. 292-308.
- Thornton, S. L. 2006. Information literacy and the teaching of politics. LATISS - Learning and Teaching in the Social Sciences 3(1), pp. 29-45.
2005
- Thornton, S. L. 2005. Richard Crossman, the civil service and the case of the disappearing pension. Public Policy and Administration 20(2), pp. 67-80. (10.1177/095207670502000205)
- Thornton, S. L. 2005. Pensions policy. In: Dorey, P. ed. Developments in British Public Policy. London: Sage, pp. 161-179.
Adrannau llyfrau
- Thornton, S. L. 2015. Promoting Information Literacy and information research. In: Ishiyama, J., Miller, W. J. and Simon, E. eds. Handbook on Teaching and Learning in Political Science and International Relations. Edward Elgar, pp. 121-131.
- Thornton, S. L. 2012. Issues and controversies associated with the use of new technologies. In: Gormley-Heenan, C. and Lightfoot, S. eds. Teaching Politics and International Relations. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 91-104.
- Thornton, S. L. 2011. We are stuck with technology when what we really want is just stuff that works. In: Curtis, S. and Simon Rofe, J. eds. Does the medium matter? IT-assisted learning and teaching in international relations and politics. Why Social Science Matters Vol. 5. Birmingham, UK: Higher Education Academy Subject Network for Sociology, Anthropology, Politics (C-SAP), pp. 7-11.
- Thornton, S. L., Palmer, R. and Crowley, M. 2008. Government formation in the National Assembly for Wales. In: Brazier, A. and Kalitowski, S. eds. No overall control? The impact of a "hung parliament" on British politics?. London: Hansard Society, pp. 63-72.
- Thornton, S. L. 2006. Towards public-private partnership: Labour and pensions policy. In: Dorey, P. ed. The Labour Governments 1964-1970. British Politics and Society London: Routledge, pp. 292-308.
- Thornton, S. L. 2005. Pensions policy. In: Dorey, P. ed. Developments in British Public Policy. London: Sage, pp. 161-179.
Cynadleddau
- Thornton, S. L. and Sharr, A. 2012. The white heat of conservation. Presented at: 12th International Docomomo Conference, Espoo, Finland, 7-10 August 2012.
- Haerkoenen, S. and Thornton, S. L. 2009. Embedding information literacy education across five departments – a Subject Librarian’s perspective. Presented at: Invited paper plus workshop (led with Nigel Morgan) for the Finnish Online University of Applied Sciences (UAS), Tampere, Finland, 15 April 2009.
- Haerkoenen, S. and Thornton, S. L. 2009. Trial and error – student responses to different approaches of embedding information literacy education across five departments. Presented at: Librarians Information Literacy Annual Conference (LILAC) 2009, Cardiff, UK, 30 March - 1 April 2009.
- Thornton, S. L. and Haerkoenen, S. 2009. Attempting to bridge the barrier between academic study and research skills training: Early student responses to a fully integrated academic/skills-based method of assessment. Presented at: PSA Conference, Manchester University, UK, 8 April 2009.
Erthyglau
- Thornton, S. and Kirkup, J. 2023. From Rab to Raab: the construction of the office of first secretary of state. Parliamentary Affairs 76(1), pp. 186-210., article number: gsab038. (10.1093/pa/gsab038)
- Thornton, S. and Kirkup, J. 2022. Liz Truss names Therese Coffey as her second-in-command – here’s how deputies have performed this key role for past PMs. The Conversation 2022(7 Sept)
- Thornton, S. and Atkinson, D. B. 2022. Everywhere and nowhere: information literacy in the political science classroom. PS: Political Science and Politics 55(3), pp. 597-604. (10.1017/S1049096522000397)
- Atkinson, D. and Thornton, S. 2022. The citation behaviours and the academic performance of first-year Political Science students. European Political Science 21, pp. 292-307. (10.1057/s41304-021-00333-x)
- Thornton, S. and Kirkup, J. 2020. Boris Johnson is in intensive care, so who is in charge in the UK?. The Conversation
- Thornton, S. 2019. A longitudinal comparison of information literacy in students starting Politics degrees. Learning and Teaching 12(2), pp. 89-111. (10.3167/latiss.2019.120206)
- Kirkup, J. and Thornton, S. L. 2017. 'Everyone needs a Willie': The elusive position of deputy to the British prime minister. British Politics 12(4), pp. 492-520. (10.1057/bp.2015.42)
- Thornton, S. and Sharr, A. 2017. John Betjeman, policy entrepreneur. Environmental Law and Management 29(4), pp. 158-168.
- Thornton, S. and Kirkup, J. 2017. Why Theresa May should appoint a deputy prime minister. The Conversation
- Thornton, S. L. 2015. Gothic glory and pop-up parliaments: could past visions help rescue the crumbling Palace of Westminster?. The Conversation 2015(29 Jun)
- Thornton, S. L. 2012. Trying to learn (politics) in a data-drenched society: can information literacy save us?. European Political Science 11(2), pp. 213-223. (10.1057/eps.2011.20)
- Thornton, S. L. 2010. From "Scuba Diving" to "Jet Skiing"? Information Behavior, Political Science, and the Google Generation. Journal of Political Science Education 6(4), pp. 353-368. (10.1080/15512169.2010.518111)
- Thornton, S. L. 2009. Lessons from America: teaching politics with the Google generation. Enhancing Learning in the Social Sciences (ELiSS) 1(3), pp. 1-20.
- Thornton, S. L. 2007. Pedagogy, Politics and Information Literacy. Politics 28(1), pp. 50-56. (10.1111/j.1467-9256.2007.00310.x)
- Thornton, S. L. 2006. A case of confusion and incoherence: Social security under Wilson, 1964-1970. Contemporary British History 20(3), pp. 441-459. (10.1080/13619460500407160)
- Thornton, S. L. 2006. Information literacy and the teaching of politics. LATISS - Learning and Teaching in the Social Sciences 3(1), pp. 29-45.
- Thornton, S. L. 2005. Richard Crossman, the civil service and the case of the disappearing pension. Public Policy and Administration 20(2), pp. 67-80. (10.1177/095207670502000205)
Gwefannau
- Thornton, S. and Kirkup, J. 2021. As first Secretary of State, is Dominic Raab the second most senior politician in the UK?. [Online]. https://blogs.lse.ac.uk: LSE. Available at: https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/as-first-secretary-of-state-is-dominic-raab-the-second-most-senior-politician-in-the-uk/
- Thornton, S. 2021. Information in a changed information environment: an update. [Online]. www.psa.ac.uk: Political Studies Association (PSA). Available at: http://www.psa.ac.uk/specialist-groups/group-news/information-changed-learning-environment-update
- Thornton, S. 2020. Access to information in a changed learning environment. [Online]. www.bisa.ac.uk: BISA/PSA. Available at: https://www.bisa.ac.uk/articles/access-information-changed-learning-environment
- Thornton, S. L. 2017. "Even Big Ben has outlived its use": Cedric Price and the Pop-Up Parliament. [Online]. Crick Centre, Sheffield University. Available at: http://www.crickcentre.org/blog/pop-up-parliament/
- Thornton, S. and Kirkup, J. 2017. Was Damian Green really the Deputy Prime Minister?. [Online]. LSE. Available at: http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/62576-2/
- Thornton, S. L. 2016. Lessons from New Delhi. [Online]. Sheffield: Crick Centre, Sheffield University. Available at: http://www.crickcentre.org/blog/lessons-from-new-delhi/
Llyfrau
- Sharr, A. and Thornton, S. L. 2013. Demolishing Whitehall: Leslie Martin, Harold Wilson and the architecture of White Heat. Ashgate Studies in Architecture. Farnham: Ashgate.
- Thornton, S. L. 2009. Richard Crossman and the welfare state: pioneer of welfare provision and Labour politics in Post-War Britain. International Library of Political Studies Vol. 27. London: Tauris Academic Studies.
- Sharr, A. and Thornton, S. L. 2013. Demolishing Whitehall: Leslie Martin, Harold Wilson and the architecture of White Heat. Ashgate Studies in Architecture. Farnham: Ashgate.
- Thornton, S. L. 2012. Trying to learn (politics) in a data-drenched society: can information literacy save us?. European Political Science 11(2), pp. 213-223. (10.1057/eps.2011.20)
- Thornton, S. L. 2011. We are stuck with technology when what we really want is just stuff that works. In: Curtis, S. and Simon Rofe, J. eds. Does the medium matter? IT-assisted learning and teaching in international relations and politics. Why Social Science Matters Vol. 5. Birmingham, UK: Higher Education Academy Subject Network for Sociology, Anthropology, Politics (C-SAP), pp. 7-11.
- Thornton, S. L. 2010. From "Scuba Diving" to "Jet Skiing"? Information Behavior, Political Science, and the Google Generation. Journal of Political Science Education 6(4), pp. 353-368. (10.1080/15512169.2010.518111)
- Thornton, S. L. 2009. Richard Crossman and the welfare state: pioneer of welfare provision and Labour politics in Post-War Britain. International Library of Political Studies Vol. 27. London: Tauris Academic Studies.
- Thornton, S. L. 2006. A case of confusion and incoherence: Social security under Wilson, 1964-1970. Contemporary British History 20(3), pp. 441-459. (10.1080/13619460500407160)
Ymchwil
I am currently working on a book about the mysterious role of British deputy prime ministers, and an article examining the poet John Betjeman's role as a sophisticated political actor, successfully championing the cause of Victorian architecture.
My work tends to be located in the fuzzy borderland between politics and modern history, and I was part of the recent GW4 project entitled Modern British Politics and Political History. I am also a member of newly-formed PSA Specialist Group on Politics and History.
Addysgu
I am convenor of the first year undergraduate modules Introduction to Government and Introduction to Political Science, and co-run the Politics Study Skills programme. I also convene the Masters-level module As It Happened? A Biographical Approach to British Political History 1950-2010. In addition, I contribute teaching to the the final year option, Parliamentary Studies and the Masters-level course Themes and Debates in Contemporary Comparative Politics. I also provide undergraduate and Masters-level dissertation and PhD thesis support.
I am currently Director of Teaching and Learning for Politics and International Relations and a member of the Cardiff University Learning Environment Steering Group (Education Portfolio Programme).
Bywgraffiad
Education and qualifications
2010: Postgraduate Certificate of University Teaching and Learning (PCUTL), Cardiff University
2003: PhD, (University of Wales, Cardiff)
1997: MScEcon in the European Policy Process (with distinction), (University of Wales, Cardiff)
1992: Postgraduate Certificate in Education, (Charlotte Mason College, University of Lancaster)
1991: BA Hons, University of Nottingham
Career overview
2012 – present: Senior Lecturer, Politics, initially in the School of European Studies (EUROS), now the School of Law and Politics (LAWPL)
2006 – 2012: Lecturer in Comparative Politics (0.5 f.t.e), EUROS
2005 – 2006: Tutor, EUROS
2004 – 2005: Lecturer in Politics (9 month fixed term contract), EUROS
1992 – 1996: Teacher, Howitt House School, Burton-on-Trent
Anrhydeddau a dyfarniadau
2016: Fellow of the Royal Historical Society
2014: Cardiff University Outstanding Contribution Award
2014: Commendation: RIBA President’s Award for Outstanding University Located Research for Demolishing Whitehall: Leslie Martin, Harold Wilson and the Architecture of White Heat.
2010: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Aelodaethau proffesiynol
2014 – present: Member of the Political studies Association (PSA) Education and Skills Sub-committee (through role on the PSA Specialist Group on Teaching and Learning)
2012 – present: Member of Editorial Board of the PSA journal Politics
2007 – present: Co-convenor and Treasurer of the PSA Specialist Group on Teaching and Learning
In addition: Current external examiner for Wolverhampton University; and regular reviewer for the American Political Science Association’s Journal of Political Science Education, the PSA's journal Politics, and LATISS: Learning and Teaching in the Social Sciences.
Pwyllgorau ac adolygu
Bwrdd Golygyddol: Addysgu a Dysgu: The International Journal of Higher Education in the Social Sciences; Israddedig Journal of Politics and International Relations
Adolygydd cyfnodolion: Astudiaethau Gwleidyddol; Journal of Political Science Education; Addysgu a Dysgu; PS: Gwyddoniaeth Wleidyddol a Gwleidyddiaeth
Adolygydd llyfrau: Gwasg Prifysgol Rhydychen; Macmillan/Gwasg y Blwch Coch; Routledge
Meysydd goruchwyliaeth
Byddwn yn croesawu ymholiadau gan ddarpar ymgeiswyr doethurol yn fy meysydd diddordeb.