PO3NUK-The Politics of Nuclear Weapons

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term 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:

How do nuclear weapons affect international politics? How likely is nuclear war or nuclear terrorism? How dangerous is nuclear proliferation? Is nuclear disarmament possible? This module examines the historical, and political contexts for nuclear policy making, including the development of nuclear weapons by states, the evolution of nuclear strategy, the role nuclear weapons play in international politics, the risks posed by nuclear arsenals, and the policies and strategies in place to mitigate those risks. Emphasis is given to political and technical considerations affecting national choices. The module considers the issues surrounding non-proliferation strategies, nuclear security, and next steps for arms control.

Aims:

The aims of this module are to provide students with a basic understanding of the theoretical issues surrounding nuclear weapons, their historical development, and the impact they have had historically on global politics and in current policy debates. It will focus not only on social science theories, but also on integrating technical expertise into policy discussions.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• demonstrate knowledge of the politics, history and technologies surrounding nuclear weapons and nuclear energy;


• synthesize and apply major theoretical tools to analyse proliferation dynamics, and engage in contemporary proliferation policy debates;


• combine theoretical and empirical knowledge into informing policy analysis on a contemporary nuclear issue;


• organize and articulate arguments effectively in writing.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the students' effectiveness in group situations, with some analytical procedures carried out as part of a team.

Outline content:

Students will be exposed to the science and technology behind the weapons, the histories of the existing nine nuclear weapons states, and will build on technical and case knowledge to explore critical issues of nuclear strategy. Topics will include, but not be limited to, deterrence, compellence, nuclear use and non-use, and nuclear strategy. A significant amount of attention will also be paid to the theoretical debates, policy concerns, and historical evidence regarding the causes and consequences of nuclear proliferation.

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 seminars, as well as in-class exercises.  Assessment is through written assignments, including a case study and a policy memo, a group presentation, and a series of short quizzes/exercises. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20
Wider reading (directed)	50
Advance preparation for classes	20
Preparation for presentations	10
Preparation for seminars	20
Completion of formative assessment tasks	20
Essay preparation	30
Reflection	10
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	70
Oral assessment and presentation	20
Set exercise	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• Students will write one essay of 3,000 words, worth 40% of the overall module mark. Non-submitted essays will be awarded a mark of zero.


• Students will also write one policy memo of 1,500 words, worth 30% of the overall module mark. Non-submitted essays will be awarded a mark of zero.


• Students will complete a series of exercises/quizzes collectively worth 10% of the overall module mark.


• Students will also give a group oral seminar presentation to an in-class group on a specific seminar question (20%).  Total: 20%.

Visiting Students:

Visiting students will submit the same assessments.

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.

Examination: N/A.

Coursework: Failed or missing coursework should be re-submitted within the stipulated resubmission period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 30 March 2023