Module Catalogue 2024/25

POL2078 : Critical International Politics (Inactive)

POL2078 : Critical International Politics (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Laura Routley
  • Lecturer: Professor Kyle Grayson
  • Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Code Title
POL1032Key Concepts in International Politics
Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The module is motivated by the critical ethos that “theory is always for someone and some purpose”.
The overall goal of the module is to introduce students to the cutting edge of research in the discipline of international politics in a way that compliments and expands on what is covered in other modules in the department. It also aims to develop students research skills to equip them for their research modules in the third year. The module explores the interplay between theory and practice and the diverse ways we can interrogate international politics. The module will introduce students to a diverse range of approaches to international politics that could include poststructuralism, postcolonialism, decolonialism, feminism, queer theory, and new materialism.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics covered may include the following:
Race and racism in international politics, mobility and refugees, technology and warfare, how we can ‘sense’ international politics, emotions and the politics of the everyday, visual politics, the Anthropocene and climate change, the politics of sexuality, fictional international politics, the political significance of ‘things, objects and stuff’, decolonial approaches to international politics and non-Western theorising about international politics.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By studying this module students will:

1.       Extend their understanding of international politics gained from POL1032
2.       Be able to make informed statements about the contemporary character of international politics and identify the multiple dimensions of international politics in both theory and practice
3.       Be able to make informed statements regarding issues of global governance and world order, international political economy, and international security
4.       Be able to relate these to theoretical understandings of international politics
5.       Through the above, be further prepared to undertake research projects or dissertations on issues in international politics should they wish to do so at Stage 3.

Intended Skill Outcomes

This module will develop student skills to:
1.       Critically evaluate empirical data, policies, concepts, arguments, and theories
2.       Develop and articulate this critical understanding through reading, oral presentations, group discussion, and written communication.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials270:3013:30Non-synchronous; Recorded
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion1137:00137:00N/A
Structured Guided LearningAcademic skills activities93:3031:30Annotated readings; online videos with added comments; reflective reading logs; dissertation prep.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching91:009:00Synchronous; Present in person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesScheduled on-line contact time91:009:00Synchronous; Q&A Feedback Hour with ML.
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures introduce students to the key social, political, economic, and ideational contexts of international politics. In addition they serve to outline and illustrate the principle concepts and theories available to understanding these contexts.
The seminars will provide an environment in which these empirical, conceptual, and theoretical issues can be further explored and critically evaluated by students.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Research proposal2M15750 word research proposal with annotated bibliography
Research paper2M852750 word research essay
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessments will develop the student’s ability to critically and succinctly evaluate the ideas, concepts and theories introduced in lectures and explored in seminars. In addition the essay will also assess the capacity and initiative of students to undertake independent study through the prism of critical approaches to international politics.

The research proposal will provide students with the opportunity to develop their thinking towards the research essay and develop useful skills to prepare them for the dissertation i.e. defining a suitable research question; identifying appropriate literatures; structuring a proposal etc.

Components of the proposal include a rationale for the focus of the essay, a literature review, a description of the issue and theoretical perspectives they want to explore, and a small annotated bibliography. In the research essay students will build upon their proposal by putting into practice ideas form the module into their own specific area of interest.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.