The Theory and Practice of Diplomacy
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| POLI4035 | Politics and International Relations | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- POLI4035
- School
- Politics and International Relations
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module focuses on the changing nature of diplomatic practice, together with the range of conceptual tools that seek to explain this international activity. Its focus is contemporary. It provides a political analysis of new developments such as the public diplomacy, the decline of resident embassies and foreign ministries, and the role of regional/multinational organisations and summitry. It also encourages students to consider future theoretical and practical developments in this field.
Target Students
Available to PGT and Year 4 MSci International Relations and Global Issues students in the School of Politics and International Relations. Also available to students on the MRes Politics and International Relations plan, and incoming exchange students based in the School of Politics and International Relations.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 50% Portfolio Report: 2,000-word portfolio report
- 50% Coursework 1: 2,000-word essay
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The module is linked to the research interests of the member of staff who will deliver this module. It offers an advanced study of the theory and practice of current diplomacy. It will deal with core issues of diplomatic technique in part 1 and contemporary issues of diplomacy in part 2.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
- By the end of the module, in their assessed work, students should be able to comprehend and evaluate different research approaches to the study of diplomacy.
Intellectual and transferrable skills:
- By the end of the module and in their portfolio assignment, students should be able to critically assess the logic and limits of bi- and multilateral institutional diplomacy.
- They develop a critical awareness of the difference between top-down state-led public diplomacy and bottom-up society-led citizen diplomacy.
- Furthermore, students should be able to develop a sustained and reasoned argument, whilst evaluating and articulating weakness in the arguments of others.
Digital competencies:
- By the end of the module, in their assessed work, students should be able to select, sift and synthesize through online information.
- They will be able to gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information; and will become familiar with appropriate means of identifying, finding, retrieving, sorting and exchanging information, e.g., through online searches as well as social media (e.g. Twitter).