Introduction to International Relations

Code

INTS1001

School

School of International Studies

Level

1

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring China

Summary

This module introduces students to the theoretical study of world politics and the key concepts with which international relations are described, analysed and sometimes even made. Students learn about the rise and evolution of the international system, its main actors and how they interact, and become familiar with the mainstream approaches that describe that interaction. Critical approaches to international relations that focus on the different ways in which power is exercised in the global arena take up an important part of the module.

Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Spring semester.  First sit/ Re-sit exams are scheduled normally in the summer and can take the same form as the missing/ failed component of the assessment (exam, essay etc.) or other form, as decided by the School.

Target Students

Offer to students from school of International Studies Available to JYA/Erasmus students.

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 12 weeks
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: 2000-word essay
• 50% Exam 1 (2-hour): 1 x 2-hour examination

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

(a) Knowledge and understanding -- By the end of the module, in their assessed work students should be able to: i. Understand the basic theories/approaches to the study of international relations, ii. Be able to link theory to practice, in other words use international relations theories/approaches to explain/understand real world international relations and the foreign policies of particular actors, iii. Comprehend the relationship between the global and domestic political arenas; iv. Understand basic notions of research design; (b) Intellectual skills -- By the end of the module the students should be able to: i. Think critically and imaginatively about the subject matter ii. Identify the key theories/approaches to international relations and assess their applicability, iii. Use and interpret primary and secondary sources, and be aware of competing interpretations of the subject, iv. Construct independent and coherent arguments; (d) Transferable skills -- The module will develop students’ ability to: i. Express themselves clearly, coherently and fluently in essays, ii. Work and learn independently and actively with others, iii. Manage and take responsibility for their own learning, iv. Use IT to prepare their assessed essays, v. Contribute to class discussions, vi. Research and write an extended essay that will provide an opportunity to develop skills required by the dissertation.
Professional competencies –
By the end of the module the students should be able to:
i. professional communication, such as effective communication intended for different audiences – eg. presentations, blogs, webinars, videos,
ii. ii. co-ordinating with Others: working with others in a group project – for example a group presentation,
iii. iii. reflection: self-reflective journals, self-evaluation activities, etc.,
iv.  iv. digital capabilities:  for example, using databases, software, combing different software tools for gathering or analyzing data. (d) Transferable skills -- The module will develop students’ ability to: i. Express themselves clearly, coherently and fluently in essays, ii. Work and learn independently and actively with others, iii. Manage and take responsibility for their own learning, iv. Use IT to prepare their assessed essays, v. Contribute to class discussions, vi. Research and write an extended essay that will provide an opportunity to develop skills required by the dissertation.
 

Conveners

• Dr Abigail Blyth