Module SGIA3541: ADVANCED TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Department: Government and International Affairs

SGIA3541: ADVANCED TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Prerequisites

• Any Level 2 SGIA module

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide students with the opportunity to explore advanced topics in International Relations, including, but not limited to specific theoretical debates in the field.
• To provide students with an advanced understanding of select key concepts and theories in International Relations;
• To provide students with the opportunity to deploy theory in the context of specific empirical phenomena;
• To enable students to critically evaluate theoretical arguments;
• To enable students to develop advanced skills in the deployment of theory

Content

• Lectures will include theoretical and empirical material in order to provide context in which to understand core concepts, theories, or debates that the module explores. Indicative content may include some of the following: Security; Identity; the Environment; Technology; Institutions and organizations; Power; Political Theory in International Relations; Ethics; Political space; Methodological debates in International Relations Theory

Learning Outcomes

• An advanced understanding of key concepts and theories in International Relations;
• An advanced understanding of specific debates within International Relations;
• An advanced knowledge of specific literatures within International Relations;
• A deep appreciation of the significance of theory in political research.

• The ability to use critically the relevant theoretical concepts and approaches in International Relations;
• Effectively describing and applying more advanced academic literatures;
• Identifying and evaluating key disputes and debates in the context of international theory;
• Showing awareness of and sophistication in the use of methodological ideas and approaches to theorising.

• Demonstrate independent learning within a defined framework of study at an advanced level;
• Demonstrate independent thought in analysing and critiquing existing scholarship on the subject area and in evaluating its contribution;
• Demonstrate the ability to work to a deadline and complete written work within word limits;
• Demonstrate advanced writing skills;
• Retrieve and utilise a wide range of information using their own initiative;
• Accurately assess the suitability and quality of resources;
• Show flexibility in using knowledge and subject specific skills to meet the specific demands of the module.

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

• Students are taught through lectures and tutorials. Lectures introduce the main theoretical and conceptual frameworks and are designed to ensure that students with differential knowledge levels approach the subsequent tutorials with an appropriate level of understanding.
• Tutorials develop students’ skills in communication and argumentation. Discussion and debate deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of different points and perspectives.
• Students are required to submit a formative assignment of a 1,500 word essay proposal to allow for feedback on their academic writing before the summative essay is submitted.
• Students are required to submit a summative essay of 3,500 essay words at the end of the module. This enables them to demonstrate their subject knowledge and scholarly writing skills thereby demonstrating that they have acquired the key skills 1 - 4 and 6-9.
• Skills training sessions will develop teamwork skills, including intercultural awareness, and monitor progress towards the submission of the group assignment. Teamwork represents a key transferable skill contributing to students’ international employability.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 1,500 word essay proposal

■ 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