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PL20721: International organisation

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2013/4
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW 20%, EX 80%
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:

* To provide students with a theoretical and empirical understanding of the structures, possibilities and limitations of formal and informal international organisation;
* to supply an overview of the major international institutions, in particular the United Nations system, regional organisations and key sectoral/thematic inter-governmental organisations, including economic institutions such as the World Bank;
* to introduce the concept of global governance in theoretical and historical perspective.

Learning Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this unit will:
* acquire a good understanding of the nature of the international system, its structures, processes and main actors;
* have a good knowledge of the theoretical rationale and empirical examples of the main international organisations and their role and activities;
* have a good knowledge of the topical issues and debates in contemporary international organisation/organisations and their possible evolution;
* be able to assess critically the role and functions of key international actors and organisations in specific case studies.

Skills:
Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument, teamwork and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit.

Content:
Lectures and seminars will cover the following main topics.
* International system, international organisation, cooperation and global governance: theoretical perspectives and historical evolution.
* State and non-state actors.
* The United Nations: historical overview, major organs, competences and spheres of activity. The specialised agencies. Proposals for reform.
* Regionalism and regional organisations: The European Union and the other European organisations; The Americas; Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
* Topical and new issues in international organisation/global governance: peace and security, economic and social development, human rights, the environment.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PL20721 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • UHPL-AAB30 : BSc (hons) Politics and International Relations (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AFB30 : BSc (hons) Politics and International Relations (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AKB30 : BSc (hons) Politics and International Relations (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AAB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AFB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AKB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2

PL20721 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Economics
  • UHES-AFB02 : BSc (hons) Economics and International Development (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHES-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Economics and International Development (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • UHES-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Economics and Politics (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHES-AKB01 : BSc (hons) Economics and Politics (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • UHPL-AYB13 : BA (hons) French and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB12 : BA (hons) German and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB16 : BA (hons) Italian (ab initio) and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB14 : BA (hons) Italian and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB15 : BA (hons) Russian (ab initio) and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB17 : BA (hons) Spanish and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AAB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AFB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AKB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2013/4 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2014/15 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2013/14.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.