The module introduces you to the international system and its key actors and processes; to central concepts and theories in the discipline of International Relations; and to key issues of global governance. You will therefore be learning about the historical development of the international state system and considering how important the state remains as an actor in the international system in an era of globalization and global governance. You will be learning about non-state actors also, particularly global organizations, assessing their power and significance. Furthermore, the module covers different theoretical approaches to help you assess whether the world is one dominated by power or rules.

Selected Posts

During three weeks of the module, you will post a 500-word answer to a set question onto a discussion board. The weeks will be determined by which group you are in. You will receive formative feedback on those posts and a grade. At the end of the module, for a specified deadline, you will submit your two best answers for formal assess, in a combined document, through Turnitin. LO2



Participation

You will have an opportunity to upload a 300-word response to the posts of other students during the eight weeks when you are not writing a 500-word post. Assuming these responses meet basic academic standards (coherent argumentation, evidence-based reasoning, a bibliography and in-text referencing) they will contribute to your participation grade. LO1



Essay

You will be required to write a 3,000-word essay answering one of a number of set questions. Essays will be submitted and marked through Turnitin. LO3

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 you will work through self-instructional course material, (delivered on Blackboard) which provides the framework and focus for reading key texts and papers and undertaking specific set tasks. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in your learning group and your tutor via a discussion board.

Demonstrate through weekly participation on a discussion board, management of your own learning, personal responsibility and learning ability, qualities and transferable skills.

Reflection

Demonstrate through submissions to a discussion board, a systematic, detailed and critical understanding of key aspects of International Relations; the ability to communicate information to peers, critically analysing and assessing their contributions; and demonstrating an understanding of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge.

Learning; knowledge and understanding; analysis Communication

Deploy, in an essay in an appropriate and clear academic style, accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry used in International Relations, describing and commenting on current research, demonstrating systematic understanding; critically evaluating arguments, assumptions and abstract concepts in order to apply knowledge and make informed judgements.

Communication; knowledge and understanding; enquiry; analysis; application

A computer for accessing Blackboard, websites and electronic journals.¿
Course texts and module pack or readings which will be delivered via electronic reading list for the course.

Baylis and Smith, (2019) The Globalization of World Politics, Oxford: Oxford University Press

Georg Sørensen,¿Jørgen Møller, et al.¿(2021) Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches, Oxford: Oxford University Press

Heywood (2014) Global Politics, Basingstoke: Macmillan

Joshua Goldstein and Jon Pevehouse (2020) International Relations, Pearson

The module provides you with the foundational material required for your course. It introduces you to the international system and its key actors and processes; to central concepts and theories in the discipline of International Relations; and to key issues of global governance.