Module SGIA1081: Global Regions in International Relations

Department: Government and International Affairs

SGIA1081: Global Regions in International Relations

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• This course will introduce students to the major theoretical and analytical problems in the study of regions, regionalism and globalisation. Students will gain detailed and specific knowledge in the following areas:
• The conceptual and analytical relationship between regionalism and globalisation, evident both in the role of globalisation in forging world regions and the emergence of regions as new structures in international relations/global politics;
• The historical and comparative context of the construction of world regions from the colonial to the cold war periods and the role of the past in shaping the variable organisation of regions and regionalism as factors in international and global politics, including for example, different framings of global regions over time; 
• The major dynamics driving forward regionalisation, notably the social networks of economy, migration, communications, and cultural fusion; .

Content

• The module offers an overview of the core theoretical traditions, historical contexts, and in studying global regions. Typical content includes:
• Differing conceptual traditions in shaping and studying global regions.
• Different historical contexts that have led to the emergence of specific global regions.
• An examination of globalisation, different definitions of the concept and empirical evidence.
• Different theoretical framings of “regionalism” and the role of values in shaping different global regions. 

Learning Outcomes

• An awareness of the principal issues and problems involved in the study of regionalism and globalisation, with more detailed knowledge of specific aspects of this politics, in terms of its historical and comparative development and the major processes and agencies bringing this change about;
• A recognition of basic theories, concepts and principles used in the framing and analysis of regionalism and globalism, and the utility of examining and evaluating different accounts and interpretations;
• An appreciation for foundational methods of conducting political analysis in international politics, and notably an awareness of the analytical differences between states operating in an international system and regions operating in a global system.

• Subject specific skills will typically include:
• The ability to accurately describe and summarise the academic literature in this area, both theoretical and empirical;
• Foundational ability to identify competing conceptualisations and understandings for the framing of regional and global politics, and the capacity to offer critical assessments as to their relative merit;
• Show an appreciation for the changing comparative and historical context of the subject area and some ability to assess the claims of political science to explain this context;
• Recognising the need, and developing the capacity, for a self-critical and independent approach to learning.

• Accessing and utilising resources, both with direction and independently;
• Foundational research techniques in political analysis of the international context, including the capacity to identify, and differentiate between, research sources according to their suitability and quality;
• Plan and deliver short oral presentations setting out the main aspects of a specified topic; and contribute critical analysis of the oral presentations of other students;
• Basic C&IT skills in support of academic research, writing and presentation;
• Planning and writing academic assignments under time pressure and without recourse to supporting materials;
• Take responsibility for the planning and completion of their work within an agreed framework of expectations.

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

• The module delivers a mixture of teaching and learning activities, including lectures, seminars, presentations and the submission of written work. Lectures provide an established basis for the delivery of core knowledge on the subject areas and provide an opportunity for staff to indicate the methods of academic analysis appropriate to these subject areas. Small group seminars 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.
• Formative assessment through essays and presentations gives students an opportunity to practice the written and oral communication of the knowledge they obtain during the module. It also provides feedback on their level of success in achieving the learning outcomes of the module.
• Summative assessment is by a final written unseen examination in which students will be tested for their subject-specific knowledge in relation to the learning outcomes and the departmental assessment criteria.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 1,500 word formative written assignment to be submitted in Michaelmas term;

■ 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