Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module will introduce students to Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA), a growing sub-discipline of International Politics. FPA is a methodologically and theoretically diverse subject which seeks to explain state behavior in the international system. The module will introduce students to the major theories, approaches and debates within FPA.
There are two main aims for this course. First, to develop a well-informed, critical and conceptually sophisticated understanding of foreign policy. Second, to foster an improved grasp of the discipline of politics, especially the concepts, models, theories and methods appropriate to the study of foreign policy.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics covered may include: 1. The development of foreign policy analysis as a discipline, 2. The agent-structure debate, 3. The policymaking cycle, 4. The rational policymaking model, 5. The organisational process model, 6. The bureaucratic politics model, 7. Realism, 8. Liberalism, 9. Constructivism, 10. Poststructuralism 11. The media and foreign policy.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Following satisfactory progress with this module, students should be able to demonstrate:

• An understanding of Foreign Policy Analysis as a an academic sub-discipline of International Politics.
• An understanding of the relevant actors and processes involved in the making of foreign policy.
• An understanding of the major theories of foreign policy and approaches to the study of foreign policy.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Following satisfactory progress with this module, students should develop:

• Enhanced writing skills.
• Enhanced skill in oral discussion.
• Enhanced skills in analysing, synthesising and critically applying information

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will introduce students to the key actors, processes, theories and approaches to the study of foreign policy. Lectures will also provide guidance on conducting further, independent research. Seminars will allow students to discuss topics raised by the lecture and seminar reading. The drop in surgery will allow students to ask staff further questions. This will help to deepen students’ understanding of foreign policy and help them to develop their critical thinking, analytical and communication skills.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The policy brief will develop the practical and transferable skills which students will use in the workplace, thus increasing their employability. The unseen written exam will assess students’ understanding of the actors and processes involved in the making of foreign policy. It will also assess their ability to engage critically with theories of foreign policy. Both the policy brief and the 48 hour take home exam will assess students’ research, writing and presentation skills.

General Notes

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