Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

•       to introduce International Relations (IR) as a discipline
•       to examine the principal concepts in the study of international politics/IR
•       to locate these concepts in broad historical and philosophical contexts
•       to analyse important issues in contemporary international politics
•       to develop the analytical and critical skills of students

This module examines key concepts in the study of international politics. It explores a selection of issues that define the agenda of contemporary international politics including but not limited to: the state; sovereignty; power; globalization; security; gender; terrorism; the Global South; development and global governance. Through the analysis of these concepts and issues the course aims to introduce students to the study of international politics and the academic discipline of International Relations (IR). The course outlines the various perspectives adopted by scholars with respect to these conceptual questions. It aims to put the diverse understandings of actors, structures and processes into a broader historical and intellectual context.

Outline Of Syllabus

A critical analysis of the issue agenda of international politics highlighting – through discussion of contemporary issues - key concepts such as states, sovereignty, power, globalization, gender, security, terrorism, the Global South and development.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

To provide students with:
• an understanding of the major concepts in the study of international relations/ international politics
• an ability to explain issues in global politics from different perspectives
• the skills to organize their ideas and present them clearly
• an opportunity to enjoy an informed and critically aware interest in global political affairs

Intended Skill Outcomes

To provide students with:
•       skills to critically evaluate and analyse concepts and arguments in international politics and its academic study
•       the ability to explore and analyse issues and problems in international politics from a variety of conceptual perspectives

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures introduce and explain key ideas, present different conceptual perspectives, and prompt student response.

Seminars provide forum for students to present, develop and discuss ideas, and reinforce their knowledge and understanding. As noted seminar readings, related questions and guidance on how to prepare, will be made available to students in advance.

Delivered with colleagues from the Academic Skills Team the workshop will focus on the practicalities of planning, designing, presenting and delivering effective presentations. The workshop will also allow the module leader to discuss this element of the assessment for the module in detail and answer any questions.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written/unseen examination will assess the students knowledge and understanding of the ideas, debates and issues that are central to the module. The exam also provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to write succinctly and to time.

In groups of 4, students will use PowerPoint to prepare and record an 8 minute presentation on a concept that has been discussed on the module. Students will submit the recorded presentation for assessment and feedback, plus a transcript of their presentation, which will include a bibliography. This form of assessment will enhance and allow to students to demonstrate their communication [PowerPoint slides must be clearly presented], organizational [students will have organize themselves to prepare their presentation] and critical thinking [as they review relevant literature] skills.

General Notes

N/A