International Politics and Policy BA (Hons)

Module details Programme Year One

• 60 credits in International Politics and Policy
• 60 credits in your other Joint subject

Compulsory modules

• Foundations In International Politics (POLI104) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 80:20 Aims

  The principal objective of this module is to provide introductory foundations to the study of international politics by introducing the main theories and approaches

  To provide an overview of the major developments of international politics since the 20th century, paying particular attention to the Cold War and its aftermath. ​

  To offer brief introductions to four main issues of international politics: globalisation, Europeanisation and regional integration, environmentalism and poverty and development. ​

  Learning Outcomes

  ​​​By the end of the module students should have an introductory understanding of the main theories of international politics, a basic knowledge of the main historical developments of international politics in the 20th century and a foundational understanding of some of the main issues in international politics.

   

  This will include:

  An understanding of what is meant by realism, liberalism, Marxism and constructivism as approaches to the analysis of international politics. The ability to apply the main approaches to the understanding of different historical phases of and issues in international politics.

  ​A knowledge of the main contours of the 20th century history of international politics, particularly in relation to the Cold War and its aftermath.​

  ​The delivery of short, small-group presentations conveying information and ideas succinctly and effectively​

  ​Written communication conveying information and ideas, organised to form sustained arguments​

• European Politics I (POLI107) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 80:20 Aims

  To provide an introduction to European politics by focusing on key contemporary issues while introducing some basic concepts of political science encountered in studying this subject

  To examine key challenges encountered when attempting to define and conceptualise Europe​

  To develop understanding of key debates around status of democracy and crisis of the nation-state in the European context​

  To examine salient transversal themes encountered in the politics of Europe, such as integration, international migration​ and security

  Learning Outcomes

  An understanding of the historical development and contemporary practice of European politics

  A working knowledge of the principles underlying political processes and systems (electoral systems and party systems) and how they operate in the European political space​

  An understanding of the political importance of different government structures (parliaments, the executive) at national and regional (EU) levels

  A knowledge of the challenges posed by contemporary political trends to European nation-states and European integration​

• European Politics Ii (POLI108) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 75:25 Aims

  To introduce students to the distinctive characteristics of political institutions in selected European states

  To introduce the main features of political development in a range of European countries​

  To provide a basis for comparison between different European political systems​

  Learning Outcomes

  Knowledge of key features of contemporary European political systems in a range of countries

  Analytical understanding of processes of democratisation in southern and eastern Europe​

  Ability to compare and contrast forms of executive leadership, party systems, state institutions and the political evolution of European political systems since the latter half of the nineteenth century​

• Foundations In Politics (POLI109) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 70:30 Aims

  This course aims to introduce students to some key questions in political science, to methods of political analysis and to the foundations of politics that make it a distinct subject from other disciplines.   The key aim of the course is to make students reflect on how societies are and should be governed.  The course will familiarise students with a variety of concepts and theoretical approaches to political science, in order to assist them in the study of sub-national, national and international politics.  In effect, this course aims to provide students with a ''political science conceptual and theoretical tool box'' that will assist you in the study of all modules throughout the three years of the degree.  It is for this reason that the course is entitled ''Foundations in Politics''.

  Learning Outcomes

  Acquired a working knowledge and understanding of the nature and significance of politics as a human activity;

  ​A knowledge of the basic concepts of political analysis

  ​Development of the capacity among students to evaluate different interpretations of political issues and events;

  ​Facilitation of the gathering, organisation and deployment of evidence by students from a variety of sources, in pursuit of enhanced understanding of political issues and events;

  ​An ability to construct reasoned argument and make critical judgements about political issues and events.

Programme Year Two

• 60 credits in International Politics and Policy
• 60 credits in your other Joint subject

Compulsory modules

• International Institutions (POLI225) Level 2 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 50:50 Aims
  • International Institutions evolved in parallel with our modern state system. Their activities are a reflection of historically evolved norms and principles by which we are governed; moreover, they are a reflection of our fears and hopes for the future. The module aims to explore International Institutions and their impact on International Politics in our world. The particular focus will be on how institutionalism shapes and is shaped by the politics of nation-states, the notions of sovereignty, identity, good governance and political cultures. The approach is from historical, theoretical and policy-based perspectives.
  • To provide an understanding of the nature of modern state system and the role of institutions
  • ​To explore central concepts and theories in International Relations and apply these in analyses of the challenges and conficts faced by the international system
  • ​To explore mechanisms and policy instruments that International Institutions possess in managing the new world order
  • To assess ​critical arguments as to the limits of international institutions and the likely future developments
  • ​To assess interpretations of international law and main debates within the cannon of human rights
  • ​To develop students'' skills in synthesis and analysis, and in the presentation of clear and cogent arguments (both orally and in writing) of issues and controversies surrounding international system and its insitutions.
  Learning Outcomes

  Ability to understand role of institutions in international system.

   

  ​Ability to apply core theories of international relations to major international insitutions.

  ​Awareness of the role of international institutional policy in the new world order.

  Ability to explore limits of international insitutions and the role of international law and human rights.

Programme Year Three

• 60 credits in International Politics and Policy
• 60 credits in your other Joint subject

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation (POLI401) Level Q6 Credit level 30 Semester Whole Session Exam:Coursework weighting 0:100 Aims
  • ​This module aims to enable student to formulate their own research questions
  • To encourge students to ​develop their own research under the supervison of a member of the academic staff
  • To provide an opportunity for students to manage their own learning through independent study​
  • To encourage students to manage their own time and organise appointments with supervisors​
  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of the dissertation students will be able to apply core theoretical and/or conceptual approaches in politics to their chosen area of research

  Synthesise and analyse complex empirical and conceptual material in their chosen area of research

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  ​Use empirical and conceptual material in coherent and sustained argumentation

  ​Use a range of IT skills including word processing, where appropriate e-mail, spreadsheets, and the Internet to locate and retrieve information in support of their dissertation research.

The modules listed above are illustrative and subject to change. Please refer to the department site for further information