PO2MIR-Modern International Relations

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
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 Joseph O' Mahoney
Email: j.p.a.omahoney@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides an advanced analysis of some theoretical approaches to international politics, including models of interstate bargaining, international order, and collective action.  Students will also learn about some of the most important  global issues, including the causes of war, globalisation, US hegemony, international cooperation to combat climate chaos, nuclear weapons, cyberwar, and terrorism. 

Aims:

This module will enable students to understand and analyse the political dynamics of modern international relations. It will introduce students to various theoretical perspectives and approaches that are used in the study of international relations and enable them to assess the usefulness of these approaches in analyzing the major international issues of the day.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• demonstrate knowledge of recent trends in international politics;


• identify the key political actors on the international stage and analyse and assess their aims and practices;


• critically evaluate different theoretical frameworks and use those approaches to explain recent trends in international politics;


• organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing, both under timed conditions and in assessed essays.

Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to develop critical and reflective thinking, effective and independent use of a variety of sources, coherent and rigorous written and oral argumentation, and the ability to work with and learn from others.

Outline content:

The following content is indicative and may be subject to minor changes:

This module introduces students to the basic ideas and themes that are necessary for the academic study of international relations. The various theoretical approaches to the subject are covered systematically in the early parts of the module, before individual topics are assessed in the latter stages. Topics to be addressed include the role of the state and international organisations, the use of force in international politics, globalisation, war, and terrorism. 

Global context:
There is a very strong global component to the module, which is primarily focused on the examination of global events and theories that seek to explain international outcomes.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars, and assessment is through written assignments and a timed examination. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	7	8
Seminars	4	4	2
Guided independent study:	77	78	20
Total hours by term	88	90	22
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	45
Set exercise	5

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One in-person examination (3 hours). 

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 two papers on selected topics of 2,000 (+/- 10%) words each. The first paper will be due during the Autumn term and is worth 20% of the marks.  The second paper will be due in the Spring term and will be worth 25% of the marks. Non-submitted assignments will be awarded a mark of zero.

There will be a series of short quizzes throughout the year on the required reading and the in-class content.  These quizzes together are worth 5% of the marks.  Non-completion of a quiz will mean a mark of zero for that quiz.

Visiting students will follow the same assessment and if enrolled for the summer term will also sit the examination. Those visiting students who are here for Autumn and Spring terms only but wish to gain full credits (10 ECTS) will also write a 4,000 word essay in place of the examination, to be submitted by the first day of the summer term.

Formative assessment methods:

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 on Blackboard within the specified deadline.

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

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:

2) Specialist equipment or materials:

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:

4) 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.

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 8 September 2023