Newcastle University > Undergraduate > Find a Degree > Module

• Offered for Year: 2020/21

• Module Leader(s): Dr Martin Farr

• Owning School: History, Classics and Archaeology
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

Semesters

Aims

This module analysis British foreign policy since the Suez Crisis of 1956.

The module aims to explain British foreign policy since the Suez crisis of 1956, after which point Britain’s reduced global status was finally undeniable, and the country was infamously accused of having “lost an empire, but not yet found a role”. It considers Churchill’s conception of Britain at the centre of three concentric circles – the US, Europe, and Commonwealth – and the determinants of foreign policy, both external and internal. Case studies will serve as a means of assessing whether British foreign policy was tied to coherent national interests, or was prone to “delusions of grandeur".

All will be considered in light of the challenges/opportunities provided by Brexit”
Syllabus: after “Iraq”: “Syria, Libya, Brexit;” then continuing with “Liberal Interventionism.

Outline Of Syllabus

The following is a guide to the topics covered; actual topics may differ from those listed: the UK-US ‘special relationship’; European integration; decolonisation; ‘East of Suez’; the Cold War; the Falklands; Gulf War; Iraq; ‘Liberal Interventionism’; overseas development; the Foreign Office and central government.

Teaching Methods

Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.

Teaching Activities

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Independent learning and wide reading are at the heart of this module. Students are expected to develop critical reading and note-taking in an independent and effective manner. A significant part the teaching will test the development of primary source analysis with an emphasis on contemporary history.

Assessment Methods

Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.

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

Other Assessment

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Work submitted during the delivery of the module forms a means of determining student progress. The essays test knowledge outcomes and develop skills in research, reading and writing.

Reading Lists

• HIS3220's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• HIS3220's Timetable