The module is about the practice of International Relations, how relations are actually conducted. It examines the history of diplomacy, both within Europe and beyond, and considers how diplomacy has adapted to a changing world. It considers its early origins, the significance of Renaissance Italy to its history, its role as a key institution in the European society of the 18th and 19th centuries and finally its development into the diffused multilateral diplomacy of the contemporary world. The module looks at the context of contemporary diplomacy and its key tasks.

The participation grade encourages engaged and consistent learning. This builds up subject-knowledge as well as enhancing communication and analysis skills. You are expected to post a 500 word answer to the week’s set question. The participation grade is worked out on the number of these you do each week and how well you engage with the posts of others. The word-length for this assessment therefore depends on how much you engage. Three posts are required for a pass. Full marks can be achieved from a good 500 word post each week in addition to regular informed engagement with the posts of others. [Learning Outcomes 1 - 3]

The essay is designed to enhance practical research skills (problem-solving and application). It will also require an in-depth study of an area of diplomacy (enquiry; knowledge and understanding and research, analysis, application, communication) [Learning Outcomes 1-4]

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.

1. Demonstrate a critical and comprehensive understanding of the historical evolution of diplomacy and the key functions it has served in the past.

Enquiry; Knowledge & Understanding; Learning

2. Analyse critically and reflectively the changing nature of diplomacy in the context of globalisation and the growth of international organisations.

Knowledge & Understanding; Learning; Application, Reflection

3. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the current knowledge and debates regarding the efficacy of official state diplomacy.

Knowledge & Understanding; Learning; Analysis; Reflection

4. Demonstrate an ability to communicate research and analysis using historical and contemporary examples.

Analysis; Application, Enquiry, Learning

Computer and Internet access to enable use of Blackboard and all electronic resources, including the electronic reading list and e-journals in the University library.
Course textbooks

a. Hamilton and Langhorn (2013) The Practice of Diplomacy (London: Routledge)
b. Bjola and Kornprobst (2018) Understanding International Diplomacy: Theory, Practice and Ethics, 2nd edition, (London: Routledge)
c. Andrew F. Cooper, Jorge Heine (2013), The Oxford Handbook of Modern Diplomacy (Oxford: OUP)
d. Barston, R P (2013) Modern Diplomacy (Harlow: Pearson)
e. Berridge, G R (2009) Diplomacy: Theory and Practice (Harlow: Pearson)
f. Black, Jeremy (2010) A History of Diplomacy (Oxford: Blackwells)