The first essay will require you to apply conceptual and theoretical insight to historical or contemporary material specific to the course. [2,000 words, Learning Outcomes 1,3]

The second essay will require you to show your overall appreciation of the concerns of the module. It will enable you to demonstrate your comprehensive understanding of the module and your flexibility in applying your knowledge to specific concerns. [3,000 words, Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4]

The virtual seminar presentation (1000 words) will require you to focus precisely and concisely on a narrow topic, analyse it and communicate your conclusions to the group [Learning Outcomes 2,3]

You are required to participate in and contribute substantially to at least 3 weeks of the weekly discussions, in addition to the week in which you present your virtual seminar [Learning outcomes 1,2,3]

The module invites students to consider some of the key topics in International Relations in the Twentieth Century. It starts with key concepts in International Relations such as the state, nation and power, and introduces students to the international system of states. It then considers key topics in chronological order relating the historical context to the development of key ideas and theories: the debate on the descent to the outbreak of war in 1914; optimism to pessimism in the era of the League of Nations; the rise and consolidation of US Hegemony; the post 1945 order; bi-polarity and the dominance of political realism; decolonization, structural inequality and economic development; Keohane and Nye's complex interdependence; the individual in international relations; and globalization and the question of a borderless world.

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 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 at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in your learning group and your tutor. (24 hours). The module will run over 16 weeks including 4 weeks to complete assessments.

A computer for accessing Blackboard, websites and electronic journals.
Course texts and module pack

Chris Brown (2019) Understanding International Relations

E H Carr, The Twenty Years Crisis (2001) (London and Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan,

Hedley Bull, (2012) The Anarchical Society, (London and Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan,)