MRes POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Title:

Philosophical Issues in the Social Sciences

Code:

PIM54

Convenor:

PROF Alan Cromartie

Summary:

A research training module for doctoral students and MA students equipping themselves for future doctoral study which provides training on research design and theoretical and philosophical perspectives on research in the social sciences.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Report 40%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Dissertation

Code:

PIM12

Convenor:

PROF Alan Cromartie

Summary:

To develop students' capacity for independent research and critical analysis; to deepen their knowledge of a specialised topic within their programme of study; to develop their ability to write an extended piece of analysis; to develop their ability to generate and complete an extended piece of research.

Assessment Method:

Dissertation 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Worlding International Relations

Code:

PIM93

Convenor:

DR Andreas Behnke

Summary:

This module is directed to students interested in the history and current development of International Relations. It addresses the challenges formulated in diverse parts of the world to the Western dominance of the field of International Relations. Focusing on how central concept of IR are understood in different parts of the world, the module investigates how scholars from around the world think about central concepts such as sovereignty, the state, war, peace, religion and ‘the international’. Highlighting the conceptual differences in non-Western approaches, the module casts light on their implication for IR and the study of world politics.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 90%, Oral 10%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Contemporary Diplomacy

Code:

PIM66

Convenor:

DR Sarah Von Billerbeck

Summary:

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of concepts and practices of contemporary diplomacy. It introduces key concepts in international diplomacy, shows the evolution of diplomatic practice since the Second World War across a range of actors, including states, international organisations, and non-state actors, and the application of different types of diplomacy, including public diplomacy, digital diplomacy and coercive diplomacy. The unit aims to provide an understanding of ideas and concepts relating to diplomacy, the way diplomacy relates to the complex process of policymaking, both domestic and international, and how these measure up against actual diplomatic practice, explained by practitioners. Students will become familiar with key academic works on the subject, to give them the conceptual analytical tools to study international diplomacy. The course will normally have an input from current and former diplomats or other civil servants.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Practical 20%, Oral 30%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Terrorism in a Globalising World

Code:

PIM74

Convenor:

DR Christina Hellmich

Summary:

This course examines central issues and theoretical dimensions in the study of terrorism in a globalising world, including the complex nature of asymmetrical conflict, the evolution of different terrorism types, the internationalisation of terrorism, the phenomenon of suicide attacks, challenges to counter-terrorism and the ongoing war against terror. Particular emphasis is placed on developing interdisciplinary perspectives and critical approaches to the issues discussed.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Introduction to Qualitative research methods in Politics and International Relations

Code:

PIM85

Convenor:

DR Joseph O' Mahoney

Summary:

This module covers the basics of research design and focuses attention on a range of widely used qualitative research methods in the study of politics and international relations. The main topics covered normally include case studies and within-case analysis, small-n comparative analysis, historical approaches, archival research, interview technique, critical discourse analysis, ethnographic methods and qualitative comparative analysis. The assessment for the module includes an online test, and a report in which you consider how you would apply the methods covered in the module to an actual research project.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Portfolio 40%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Introduction to Quantitative research methods in Politics and International Relations

Code:

PIM86

Convenor:

DR Jonathan Golub

Summary:

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the basics of research design and a number of the principal quantitative methods used in political science and international relations. The course discusses the best practice for the collection and analysis of information about human behaviour and institutions. To help students understand and apply research methods, the discussion and many of the examples used in the module will be taken from existing quantitative research in international relations, comparative politics and political economy. Students are then required to test hypotheses using the methods they have learned in the course. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Strategic Studies

Code:

PIM65

Convenor:

DR Kerry Goettlich

Summary:

This Strategic Studies module focuses on strategy, its theoretical grounding but also its real world applications. This module will consist of an examination of the core principles of strategic theory throughout history, but importantly it will also attempt to map these theories into the current environment. Student will attempt to test the validity of strategic theory and principles in a number of contexts and assess whether previous teachings still maintain their validity. This module will provide you with the tools needed to engage actively and constructively with the contemporary strategic environment. Although drawing upon historical sources where necessary, this module aims to equip you with the tools to understand a variety of issues active today.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 40%, Oral 10%, Project 50%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

International Security Studies

Code:

PIM64

Convenor:

DR Andreas Behnke

Summary:

This module introduces students to concepts and issues of international security with a particular focus on the changing logic of security in the post-cold war era.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 90%, Oral 10%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

International Relations Theory

Code:

PIM63

Convenor:

DR Martin Binder

Summary:

The module introduces students to the advanced study of International Relations through a survey of the principal theoretical approaches employed in the academic discipline of International Relations.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Politics of Public Policy

Code:

PIM49

Convenor:

DR David Marshall

Summary:

This module introduces students to the nature of the processes through which policy decisions are made and implemented. It considers how these vary across policy areas and policy-making venues.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 40%, Oral 10%, Report 50%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Law of Armed Conflict (International Humanitarian Law)

Code:

LWMTAC

Convenor:

DR Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne

Summary:

«p»The law of armed conflict (LOAC) (also known as ‘international humanitarian law’) concerns a major substantive area of public international law (the ius in bello). It examines issues including the legal protections for injured or captured combatants and civilians, the rules as to how warfare is to be conducted, such as the prohibition of or restrictions on the use of certain weapons and rules on targeting, and the law of occupation. It also offers introductions into cutting-edge areas including displacement and complex emergencies in armed conflict. The module offers a unique insight into some of the most controversial and fundamental aspects of the modern international legal order and their manifestations in practice (such as the law applicable to so-called ‘modern’ conflicts between States and transnational non-State armed groups or the occupation of the Palestinian Territories). The module essentially asks how – in what manner – war must be fought in the modern world. This question is assessed through both abstract examination of the law and through detailed real world case studies. This module is designed to complement the LWMTUF International Law and the Use of Military Force module, which considers the rules of international law applicable to initial uses of military force in the international sphere, prior to an armed conflict emerging (the ius ad bellum). However, the modules can also be taken wholly independently.«/p»

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.