PO1IRS-Politics: International Relations and Strategic Studies

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Amanda Hall
Email: amanda.hall@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module introduces some of the key concepts in world politics: states, anarchy, power, and interest. This broad conceptual framework is linked to a discussion of the three main theories of international relations: realism, liberalism, and constructivism. The module also evaluates arguments about the centrality and utility of the use of force in dealing with security and strategic problems by asking: Why do states go to war? What is strategy and how does it link to warfare? Is it useful to differentiate between rebels and terrorists? Are nuclear weapons still relevant in a world facing the threats of climate change and pandemics?

Aims:

The aims of this module are as follows:

• to introduce students to the academic study of International Relations and Strategic Studies;


• to provide an overview of the major theories and empirical issues in contemporary world politics;


• to equip students with the theoretical and empirical foundations for more advanced study of International Relations and Strategic Studies;


• to equip non-Politics students with sufficient knowledge to allow them to conceptualise the international and strategic dimensions of their chosen fields;


• to develop critical and analytical skills through the engagement with a diverse and demanding range of literature and to demonstrate these skills in essays, presentations and examinations.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• identify and compare the key elements of the international political system


• demonstrate a basic understanding of contemporary issues in International Relations and Strategic Studies and the background to them


• identify and analyse the main theoretical approaches to International Relations and Strategic Studies


• present material, orally and in writing, in a coherent and well-structured form.

Additional outcomes:
The module aims to introduce students to learning through discussion groups.

Outline content:

Content is indicative and may be subject to change but generally the course will examine:

1. The history and evolution of the modern international system.


2. Theoretical approaches to International Relations and Strategic Studies


3. International Organisations


4. Current Issues in International Relations and Strategic Studies

Global context:

Content is indicative and may be subject to change but generally the course will examine:

1. The history and evolution of the modern international system.


2. Actors


3. Processes and Problems


4. Theoretical approaches to International Relations and Strategic Studies

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will be delivered via 12 lectures and 12 seminars requiring preparatory reading.  Students will undertake oral presentations and written essays requiring independent study. There will be one revision class. Not all the lecture topics will be discussed in the seminars. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	6	6
Seminars	6	6	1
Guided independent study:	63	63	49
Total hours by term	75	75	50
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One three-hour examination.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will write one 1500 word assignment in Autumn, and 1500 word essay in Spring. The coursework mark will be the average of the two assignment marks. The coursework mark will constitute 50% of the overall assessment. Visiting students will follow the same assessments and if enrolled for the full year will also sit the examination. Those visiting students who are here for Autumn and Spring terms only but wish to gain full credits will write an additional 3000 word essay in place of the examination, to be submitted by the first day of summer term. Visiting students who are studying for half credits in the Autumn term will submit one 3000 word essay in total.

Formative assessment methods:

In-class discussions and presentations where feedback will be provided from peers and tutors.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
If a student fails to pass the year at the first attempt there is an opportunity to be re-assessed on one further occasion at the next opportunity in those modules achieving a mark of less than 40%. Students who are eligible for re-assessment have the right to re-assessment in all elements even if they have previously passed one of those elements. It is expected, however, that the majority of students would probably elect not to repeat an element in which they had already passed, in which case the confirmed marks would be carried forward.

Coursework: Failed or missing coursework should be re-submitted by 1st August, emailed directly to politics@reading.ac.uk, AND submitted on Blackboard.

Examination: Re-examination takes place in August/September of the same year.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books:


2. The core book for the module is John Baylis and Steve Smith. The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations, Oxford University Press, 2020 (8th edition). ISBN: 9780198827887 RRP: £29.99


3. Specialist equipment or materials:


4. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:


5. Printing and binding: There may be optional costs associated with photocopying or printing sources listed on the reading list relating to this module. Please note that the Library charges approximately 5p per photocopy.


6. Computers and devices with a particular specification:


7. Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 30 March 2023