This module introduces you to the discipline of International Relations (IR). It charts its historical development and offers an overview of its central concepts and debates. It also introduces you to the main actors and key processes in the global system. Finally, it examines some of the many contemporary challenges facing the world and uses those case studies to help you to develop your analytical skills. In particular, the module aims to help you distinguish between informed research, opinion and belief.

The module does not assume any prior knowledge of the broad categories or themes of IR, nor the specifics of individual issues. It therefore provides a broad basis of introductory knowledge necessary for all students of IR as well as some key, basic research and analytical skills.

Research Paper (25%) and Essay (75%) both require the deployment of research, planning, writing, drafting and referencing. Evidence of these is used to assess achievement in Learning Outcomes Knowledge & Understanding, Analysis, Application, Analysis, Communication.

Key Information Set Data:
100% Coursework

Learning is done through a set of weekly lectures and seminars. Each week students will be given a brief introduction to the subject and a set of readings to be done, step by step. Students will also be set certain basic research tasks and tasks which help them to develop analytical skills. Students will receive important formative feedback in seminar discussion and will also be encouraged to comment on each other’s work.

1. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF KEY CONCEPTS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (IR)

Knowledge & Understanding

2. DEMONSTRATE AN AWARENESS OF THE KEY ACTORS IN IR

Knowledge & Understanding

3. DEMONSTRATE A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISCIPLINE OF IR

Knowledge & Understanding

4. DEPLOY ANALYTICAL SKILLS WHICH LEAD TO A QUESTIONING OF PRE-EXISTING ASSUMPTIONS AND ENABLE YOU TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN INFORMED RESEARCH AND OPINION/BELIEF

Analysis

5. PROVIDE WELL-RESEARCHED AND DEVELOPED PIECES OF WORK IN APPROPRIATE ACADEMIC STYLE USING GOOD SOURCES

Application
Analysis
Communication

Library access, Students own textbooks; supplied course packs of readings; e-books; e-journals; relevant websites.
Blackboard VLE, Computer with internet access, teaching space with projection.

Lamb, P and Robertson-Snape, F. 2017. Historical Dictionary of International Relations (Rowman and Littlefield) [e-book]
Baylis and Smith, 2017, Globalization of World Politics, 7th edition, Oxford University Press
Jeffrey Haynes, Peter Hough, Shahin Malik, Lloyd Pettiford, 2010. World Politics: International Relations and Globalisation in the 21st Century, Routledge, London.
Andrew Heywood, Global Politics, Palgrave Macmillan, 2014.