Department of Economics & International Development, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
EC30041 Global politics |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW 20%, EX 80% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: The unit introduces students to international relations (IR), broadly defined as the study of world politics. It examines some theoretical and empirical issues that have salience in the contemporary world. The intention is to foreground the close linkage between theory and practice within IR and critically interrogating some of the important conceptual issues and global problems in international politics.
Learning Outcomes: The learning objectives and outcomes include: * The ability to understand and analyse critically a range of issues in contemporary international relations * The ability to engage in constructive, critical discussion about issues of international relations politics * The ability to undertake independent research into an issue related to world politics * The ability to write articulately, concisely and persuasively about issues in world politics * Good grasp of and the ability to integrate lecture and reading materials * The ability to critically 'read' scholarly as well as popular written and visuals texts of everyday international relations. Skills: Critical thinking Proactive 'reading' of the written and visual texts Relating academic learning to everyday life Managing time effectively to optimise knowledge and understanding of a syllabus Writing clearly and concisely and presenting an argument logically and succinctly Peer group presentation. Content: Topics covered include various theories of International Relations, some important concepts (such as Globalisation, Security and Nationalism), themes (such as Global social movements, Humanitarian interventions, Human rights), and topical issues (such as the United States' foreign policy, significance of 'September 11', the events in Iraq). The focus is on a better and critical understanding of contemporary global politics. Key text: Baylis J and Smith S (Eds), Globalisation of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations (3rd Edition, 2005) Oxford University Press. |