Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL2086: Strategy and Psychology in Foreign Policy

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

  • Introduction to key psychological concepts in foreign policy and international relations,
  • decision-making models,
  • decision-making in times of crisis,
  • the importance of psychological traits such as authoritarianism and social dominance orientation,
  • introduction to rational choice theory,
  • strategies for political leaders across different regime types,
  • the role of public opinion and leader motivations in coercive foreign policies.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
221280

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity2211 x 2 hour seminars
Guided Independent Study25Reading texts for class
Guided Independent Study18Preparing class presentation in pairs
Guided Independent Study45Essay preparation and writing
Guided Independent Study40Preparation for and completion of examination

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).

Other Learning Resources

Other materials and resources will be identified by the module convener in lectures and/or via ELE.