A computer with internet connection for accessing Blackboard..
Course texts and course learning pack
Library resources including books, journals, data bases cd-rom, websites, ejournals, ebrary and other electronic resources.
IT facilities including word processing.

- 1 x 1500 word essay (20%) The first essay will require you to apply conceptual and theoretical insight to historical or contemporary material specific to the course. (learning outcomes 1, 4,)

- Participation (10%) You are required to participate in and contribute substantially to at least 5 weeks of the weekly discussions, in addition to the week in which you present your virtual seminar (learning outcomes 1, 2, 4)

- 1 x 3000 word essay (50%) 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. (learning outcomes 1-4)

- 1 x 1000 word virtual presentation (20%) 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 1,3,4,)

This module defines IR today, and looks at the development of IR Theory in the Twentieth Century through to the present day. It examines States and Sovereignty, Power, the Balance of Power and War, Global Governance, the Global Economy, Globalization, Human Rights, Humanitarian Law and Humanitarian War as well as US Hegemony and World Order.

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.

Bayliss, Smith & Owens (eds) (2010): The Globalisation of World Politics, 5th ed, OUP.
Brown C. and Ainley K. (2010): Understanding International Relations, 4th edition, Palgrave.
Dunne T, Kurki M. & Smith S. (eds) (2010): International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity,2nd ed, OUP.