Understanding International Relations (10 credit points)

Content of Course

The course is divided into two parts. Part one examines a number of theoretical approaches drawn from different intellectual traditions in the discipline, including classical and contemporary realism, liberalism, and radical approaches to international relations, as well as contemporary debates on power and globalisation. The second part discusses a number of current policy issues such as terrorism and security, human rights, governance and global institutions, the environment and poverty and development.

Teaching method(s)

Each weekly 2 hour class will combine lecture and tutorial discussion. Essential and recommended readings will be set in advance of each class. Students will have the option to submit a formative assignment during the course and will be required to submit the summative assessment after the course has ended.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the main theories in IR.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the key structures and agents that constitute international relations and global politics.

• Critically assess debates and contemporary issues in international relations theory and world affairs.

• Apply the theoretical knowledge gained in analyses of concrete processes and changes in contemporary international relations.

Sources

Core Readings

Essential:

• Heywood, A. 2011. Global Politics. Basingstoke: Palgrave/Macmillan.

Additional readings will be recommended throughout the course.

Assessments

10 credit courses have one assessment. Normally, the assessment is a 2000 word essay, worth 100% of the total mark, submitted by week 12. To pass, students must achieve a minimum of 40%. There are a small number of exceptions to this model which are identified in the Studying for Credit Guide.

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.