Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3248: Marxism(s) and International Relations

This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.

Module Aims

The module aims to introduce you to Marxist approaches to International Relations. In so doing it will encourage you to consider: theoretical approaches to IR; the relation between capitalism, imperialism, and western hegemony; the role of the state system in global capitalism; the association between globalising capitalism, gendered forms of labour, and concepts of modernity; and the impact of capitalist globalisation on anti-capitalist resistance.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. critically interrogate the relation between states, the global capitalist economy, and anti-capitalist resistance;
2. demonstrate a critical understanding of the theoretical debates between Marxism and other approaches to IR.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. critically reflect on key elements of debates regarding concepts of the state, tendencies of capital accumulation, class, imperialism, and revolution;
4. display awareness of a range of conceptual frameworks to understand the complex relation between the state system, world politics, and the global capitalist economy.
Personal and Key Skills5. critically interrogate complex and abstract ideas;
6. reflect on contemporary issues of world politics through the lens of theoretical approaches;
7. study independently and manage time and assessment deadlines effectively;
8. demonstrate critical and analytical skills through tutorial discussions and module assessments;
9. demonstrate proficiency in the use of the internet, online journal databases and other IT resources for the purposes of tutorial and assessment preparation;
10. demonstrate effective academic writing;
11. demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, to complete a specified task.