Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL2095: From Climate Change to Quantum Theory: The Future of International Relations

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.

Overview

NQF Level 6
Credits 15 ECTS Value 7.5
Term(s) and duration

This module ran during term 2 (11 weeks)

Academic staff

Dr Alex Prichard (Convenor)

Pre-requisites

None 

Co-requisites

None

Available via distance learning

No

What will the world look like in the future and how can we prepare for and manage this change? In this module we will explore key world historical changes taking place right now, and delve into the most cutting edge theories being developed to understand them. What’s the likelihood of major war? Can quantum theory help us understand how states act? Answering these sorts of speculative questions is intrinsic to pushing the boundaries of knowledge. The module is primarily geared towards developing an advanced understanding of contemporary International Relations and the newest changes in the theories developed to explain world affairs. The module is divided in two parts, in the first part we traverse the major shifts in contemporary geopolitics and explore their future implications. In the second part we explore the conceptual innovations we might need to open up new avenues in IR theory. The module will be taught via a combination of lectures and small group work. You are not expected to have any prior knowledge of IR theory to take this module, but it would help. 

Module created

01/03/2017

Last revised