Introduction to Global Politics

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 4
• Convenor: to be confirmed
• Assessment: a 500-word essay plan (20%), 1500-word essay (70%) and 500-word seminar log (10%)

Global politics is a complex arena where a vast number of actors, including nation-states, multinational corporations, and inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations, pursue often conflicting agendas. In this module we provide you with an overview of global politics by looking at both its historical development and relevant contemporary issues in the light of various analytical approaches to international relations.

Indicative syllabus

• The evolution of the inter-state system
• The dynamics of international security
• International law and organisations
• Processes and consequences of economic globalisation
• The changing architecture of global governance

By the end of this module you should be able to:

• critically apply the theories, concepts and approaches employed in the study of global politics and international relations to both historical and contemporary events and processes
• demonstrate a broad understanding of the major historical developments in global politics and international relations
• understand, analyse and critically engage a variety of sources and data relating to the study of global politics and international relations
• demonstrate practical and transferable skills of critical evaluation, analytic investigation, written argument, oral communication.