Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

• To introduce students to key debates, theories and thinkers in the field of global political philosophy

• To develop an understanding of normative reasoning and to apply it to international affairs

• To provide students with the opportunity to discuss contemporary world events through the lens of political philosophy

Outline Of Syllabus

The focus of the module lies on the assessment of normative judgements: which developments in international affairs are to be welcomed, and which should be resisted? Moving from fundamental conceptual and theoretical questions to applied problems, the course provides an overview of some of the main debates in Global Political Philosophy. The topics covered may include:

•       Cosmopolitanism
•       Statism, Nationalism and Self-Determination
•       Global Economic Justice
•       Theories of Human Rights
•       Climate Change and Justice
•       Fairness in International Trade
•       The Ethics of Migration
•       Just War and Humanitarian Intervention

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Upon completing the course, students should be able to:

• Identify and explain core concepts in political philosophy, such as rights, duties and justice

• Demonstrate familiarity with key debates, approaches and theories in global political philosophy

• Understand the normative issues at stake in specific issues in international affairs, such as war, world poverty or immigration policy

Intended Skill Outcomes

• To develop the ability to analyse and evaluate the structure of normative arguments

• To improve the ability to critically discuss contemporary issues in international affairs by drawing on normative theories, concepts and ideas

• To practise discussion, presentation and writing skills

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

• Lectures introduce and explain key ideas, concepts and theories in global political philosophy, providing students with an overview of the field. PiP lectures allow students to ask questions, participate actively, and interact with one another and the module leader. Prerecorded lectures have been kept to allow students to work through the material at their own pace.

• Seminars provide an opportunity for students to develop their analytical and oral skills by discussing texts and debates, presenting and receiving feedback. Seminars are a forum to test, apply and mutually reinforce knowledge. One of the seminars will be taught as an essay workshop to support students in planning and writing their assessments.

• In between sessions, students familiarise themselves with the required readings, preparing questions and comments.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The aim of the essays is for students to demonstrate their ability to develop a coherent, clear and rigorous argument in support of a specific thesis. It also tests their ability to plan and execute independent research, including a critical engagement with the relevant literature.

General Notes

N/A