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PIR-40144 - Module Specification
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 22 November 2024

PIR-40144 - Advanced Approaches to Politics and International Relations
Coordinator: Philip Catney Room: CBA2.028 Tel: +44 1782 7 33346
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 7
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

Non

Description for 2024/25

All disciplines falling under the banner of Politics and International Relations share similar considerations in approaching the questions of what to study and how to study. This module provides an overview of the philosophies, assumptions and approaches underlying the study of Politics and International Relations topics. It examines the academic contexts in which the disciplines of politics, international relations, and environmental social science have developed and changed, and how these contexts shape our understandings of these areas.
It provides an advanced-level introduction to different methods of approaching the generation of knowledge currently practised within the School: analysing the assumptions underlying competing philosophical and methodological approaches to the study of these key subject areas in Politics and International Relations.

Aims
The module aims to deliver a comprehensive introduction to the range of principles and theories in the field of Politics and International Relations (including cross-cutting fields such as international development)
The module provides an introduction to key approaches and prepares students with the learning skills necessary for advanced study in the field.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Critically evaluate the impact of a classic piece of scholarship in Politics and International Relations to an advanced level : 1
Critically distinguish between different conceptual approaches in Politics and International Relations to a particular self-selected topic. : 1,2
Communicate effectively in written formats, and demonstrate the appropriate use of academic referencing practices: 1,2
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the conceptual and methodological underpinnings of key approaches in Politics, International Relations (including international development) and demonstrate an advanced ability to apply these in their own work. : 2

Study hours

10x2 hour lectures/tutorials: 20 hours
Preparation for tutorials: 50 hours
Self-study in preparation of assessments: total 80 hours, of which
Commentary on Foundational text: 20 hours
Report: 60 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Commentary weighted 30%
A 1,000-word commentary on a foundational text


2: Research Report weighted 70%
A 3,000-word report on an analytical approach


The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 22 November 2024