Module POLI1031: INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Department: GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (POLITICS)

POLI1031: INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• The module aims to lay the foundations for a systematic understanding of international relations, and looks at the interaction of people, institutions and ideas in relation to selected major issues in the subject.

Content

• The module aims to lay the foundations for a systematic understanding of international relations. It introduces some key concepts and theories about international relations, and looks at the interaction of people, institutions and ideas in relation to selected major issues in the subject. Typical topics may include:
• the discipline of international relations,
• international relations theory,
• international security,
• identity and values in international relations,
• international organisations, and
• international economic development.

Learning Outcomes

• Through the module students should develop subject specific knowledge and understanding, including: Awareness of the principal areas of the subject, including aspects of political theory and political analysis in international relations, including recognition of basic concepts and theories;
• An appreciation for the methods of constructing political analysis in international relations, and basic established techniques for theorising and investigating international political phenomena;
• An awareness of some of the principal areas of contestation and debate in the subject;
• Knowledge of specific events and issues in international relations.

• Students will also develop some subject specific skills, such as: Accurate description and summary of appropriate academic literature;
• Identifying and offering some assessment of competing conceptualisations and/or theorisations of major elements of international relations;
• An initial awareness of the importance of context in offering analysis of political ideas and events;
• Utilising a range of resources, generally with guidance from 'Reading lists' but also through the initial development of research skills;
• Beginning to develop a self-critical approach to independent learning.

• Students will also develop some important key skills, suitable for underpinning study at this and subsequent levels, such as: Accessing resources;
• Basic research techniques;
• Basic skills in planning and completing a range of academic exercises;
• Effective communication of reliable information about international relations as an area to study;
• Taking responsibility for their own work.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module deploys a mixture of teaching and learning activities, including lectures, small-group tutorials and library training sessions. Lectures provide an established basis for delivering core knowledge about the subject. They also offer an opportunity for staff to highlight the ways in which academic analysis is constructed and to identify key areas of debate within the subject. Small group teaching reinforces and extends this range of knowledge, with students bringing knowledge they have been directed to or discovered themselves to augment lecture material and the tutor's expertise. Tutorials provide an environment in which students can debate and discuss theories, concepts and issues in order to help them assess the merits of various positions. Library training sessions provide formal guidance on accessing resources and basic research techniques, encouraging students to take responsibility for their own work, an important aspect of adopting a self-critical and independent approach to learning.
• Summative assessment is by terminal examination. As well as assessing students subject specific knowledge and understanding of aspects of the module, the questions are deigned to encourage an analytical approach that shows awareness of relevant theoretical and conceptual issues, with marking criteria emphasising the role of analysis in gaining the highest marks at this level. Examinations also test effective planning skills, in terms of planning the use of time in the exam hall, but also in structuring, deploying and communicating knowledge effectively. They provide students with an opportunity to show they are becoming effective independent learners and are taking responsibility for their work.
• Formative assessment through essays and presentations gives students an opportunity to practice written and oral communication, receiving feedback on these skills as well as on knowledge and understanding of the subject and their ability to effectively use, structure and assess academic material they have researched.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 2000 word essay and either the bibliographic assignment (1 year in 3) or a second 2000 word essay.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University