PIR-40093 - Module Specification
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

The Changing International Agenda offers an in-depth critical assessment of the development, change and nature of the international system since the close of the Second World War. This period has witnessed radical shifts in the nature of the international system, such as the rise and fall of the Cold War, the birth of the UN, European decolonisation and the 'war on terror'. Adopting a primarily empirical approach, this module explores the reasons underlying these transformations, and addresses issues of how we talk about the international system itself. Its analysis starts with the policies made by states or non-state actors, but it examines the ways in which policy makers are constrained by the international system, and how the international system shapes what is possible. Does globalisation, for example, make nation states irrelevant? It goes on to examine key debates in international relations, such as the legitimacy of humanitarian intervention or the meaning of the 'war on terror', that serve to question the contemporary nature of the international system.

This course aims to provide students with a framework with which to engage with key themes in contemporary international relations. It provides students with an empirical understanding of the development, change and nature of the international system, and elements within that system, since the end of the Second World War. As such, it seeks to explore why various actors in the international system behave in the ways that they do, and the implications of their actions. It also offers an in-depth consideration of key themes within international relations scholarship.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate systematic knowledge of issues pertaining to developments and transformations in the international system, and key debates in international relations: 1,2
Independently assess key debates in the scholarship pertaining to contemporary international politics: 1,2
Creatively employ evidence and argument in order to draw conclusions about key problems, issues or debates, in the absence of complete data: 1,2
Demonstrate originality and self direction in using evidence and argument in addressing key issues, problems or debates: 1,2
Critically evaluate core historiographical or international relations scholarship, much of which is informed by the leading edge of the disciplines: 1,2

Study hours

Active learning hours
20 hours: 10 2-hour seminars
Independent study hours
30 hours: Preparation for seminars
50 hours: Preparation for, and production of, first essay (research/reading, note-taking, drafting and writing)
50 hours: Preparation for, and production of, second essay (research/reading, note-taking, drafting and writing)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment