This module aims to give students an understanding of the position of the state in contemporary international relations. It will consider key concepts such as the state, nation, anarchy, sovereignty and power. It looks at foreign policy processes and the central question of order, considering whether order is maintained through the mechanism of the balance of power, or great power management of the system, etc. It will look at the way that states interact and how they form their foreign policy objectives. It will examine key processes, e.g. war, identity formation, globalization.

The main focus will be on self-instruction, within a tightly structured framework and relying largely (but not exclusively) on materials supplied. Week by week students will work through self-instructional course material (delivered via Blackboard), which provides the framework and focus for reading key texts and papers and undertaking the specific tasks set. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but students will be expected to interact and share material and ideas with other students in their learning group and their tutor (24 hours). The module will run over 12 weeks.

Key Information Set Data:
16% scheduled learning and teaching activities
84% guided independent learning

Reflective journal - 2000 words with a 25% weighting (Learning outcomes 1-4)

Participation on Discussion Board - 15% weighting (Learning outcomes 1-4)

Essay - 3000 words with a 60% weighting (Learning outcomes 1-4)

Key Information Set Data:
85% coursework
15% practical exams [on-line class discussions]

Students own text books, e-books and on-line journal articles accessed from the University Library, other recommended on-line sources, such as the website of the Unite Nations and information posted on Blackboard by the tutor.

Dunne T., Kurki M. & Smith S. (2020) International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity, Fifth Edition, Oxford University Press
Baylis J., Smith S. & Owens P., editors, (2019) The Globalization of World Politics: In Introduction to International Relations, eighth edition, Oxford University Press

1. DEMONSTRATE DETAILED KNOWLEDGE OF KEY CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS.
[Knowledge & Understanding]

2. DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO EVALUATE CRITICALLY THE NATURE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD.
[Knowledge & Understanding]

3. DELIVER CONFIDENT AND WELL RESEARCHED WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS TO A DISCUSSION BOARD AND MAKE INFORMED COMMENTS ON THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF FELLOW STUDENTS.
[Application; Communication]

4. PRODUCE WELL RESEARCHED AND DEVELOPED PIECES OF ANALYTICAL WORK IN AN APPROPRIATE ACADEMIC STYLE.
[Application; Communication]