Module POL1027 for 2018/9
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
POL1027: Strategic Theory and Contemporary International Conflict
This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.
Module Aims
This module will aim to:
- Introduce you to rational choice theory and an understanding of how this framework can help us understand topics that are currently important in the international arena such as inter-state conflicts, civil and ethnic conflicts, transnational terrorism, international alliances, arms races and deterrence.
- Provide you with an understanding of how employing a rational choice or strategic framework can help governments design effective policies in a globalized age.
- Expose you to emerging and future threats in contemporary international affairs.
- Provide you a dynamic learning environment in which to develop and test ideas interactively
- Provide you with an intellectual ‘toolkit’ with which to understand aspects of the security environment of the 21st century.
- Provide a basis for post-graduate study in defence and security, or for careers in government, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, media, and security forces.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate knowledge of rational choice theory and alternative theories 2. Demonstrate knowledge of how applying theory to current strategic problems can help us understand them 3. Demonstrate knowledge of current threats and patterns in contemporary international conflict |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. Critically examine how the strategic approach to international relations changes the way in which current strategic problems are conceptualized 5. Demonstrate awareness of the key concepts and debates relating to the strategic approach to international relations |
| Personal and Key Skills | 6. demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task. 7. Communicate effectively in speech and writing 8. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills through tutorial discussions and module assessments 9. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the internet and online journal databases |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
It is envisaged that the syllabus will include the following topics in the following order although precise content and order may vary: introduction to rational choice theory, basic concepts in game theory and the strategic approach, power and managing insecurity, the role of the public in coercive foreign policies such as military interventions and the imposition of economic sanctions, inter-state conflicts, civil conflicts, ethnic conflicts, transnational terrorism, alliances, arms races, and the logic of deterrence.
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 26.5 | 123.5 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 16.5 | 11 x 1.5 hour lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 10 | 10 x 1 hour tutorials |
| Guided Independent Study | 123.5 | Preparation and completion of coursework: 40 hours of tutorial preparation 83.5 hours of assessment preparation and completion |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
Other Learning Resources
Other resources: Other materials and resources will be identified by the module convener in lectures and via ELE and by tutors in tutorials.
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class presentation | 5 minutes | 1-9 | Written |
| Online quiz | 30 minutes | 1-9 | Written |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 60 | 2 hours | 1-9 | Written |
| Essay | 40 | 1500 words | 1-9 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Examination (2 hours) | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
| Essay | 1500 word essay | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
