Understanding Global Politics
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| POLI1017 | Politics and International Relations | 1 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- POLI1017
- School
- Politics and International Relations
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module will introduce students to the central questions of international politics – and the theories which are used to understand them. These will be both positivist and post positivist approaches as well as some middle range theories.
Target Students
Available to Year 1 UG students in the School of Politics and International Relations on single and joint honours plans. Also available to Year 1 UG students on the Philosophy, Politics and Economics plan, and incoming exchange students based in the School of Politics and International Relations.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and lecture engagements.
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: Essay - 2,000 words.
- 50% Coursework 2: Essay - 2,000 words.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
The aims of the module are to give students an introduction to:i) major current issues and their historical context, ii) how IR theory has developed, and iii) how IR theory approaches the study of these issues.Learning Outcomes
a) Knowledge and understanding:
- Knowledge of key themes, concepts, theories and actors in global politics;
- The ability to view political phenomena through a variety of theoretical lenses;
- An understanding of the historical sources of current events.
b) Intellectual and transferable skills:
- Reading primary and secondary material critically and using it selectively in coursework and examinations;
- Critical analysis of ideas and arguments;
- The research and writing of analytical and argumentative essays.
c) Professional and practical skills:
- Linking scholarly debates to concrete empirical examples in class discussions;
- Research and referencing skills;
- Writing clear and literate English prose.
d) Transferable and key skills:
- Constructive discussion of ideas and arguments in a group;
- Writing concisely under time pressure;
- Time management and meeting deadlines.
e) Digital competencies:
- Using online resources such as the module’s Moodle page, its online reading list, and the web resources to which those direct them;
- Preparing a professional, word processed document for assessment.
Conveners
- Natalie Martin