Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC2084: Foreign Policy

This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.

Please note that this module is only delivered on the Penryn Campus.

Module Aims

This will module will:

- Introduce you to a range of scholarly approaches to the analysis of foreign policy

- Allow you to apply these approaches to recent foreign policy events, in order to develop normative and explanatory accounts of the processes and structures that shape foreign policy.

- Encourage you to critically reflect upon how scholarly research on, and popular attitudes to foreign policy events are informed by particular assumptions derived from these approaches.

- Provide you with an opportunity to empathise with the pressures and considerations experienced by a range of foreign policy practitioners.

- Encourage you to clearly communicate your ideas and analysis to a range of different audiences.

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. Define, understand and distinguish the main theories of foreign policy and decision-making;
2. Apply these theoretical perspectives to the analysis of foreign policy events in order to explain how decisions occur and what effects these decisions have;
3. Evaluate these approaches by being aware of the limitations and implications of each perspective, and by identifying substantive points of debate between them;
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Independently apply theoretical and approaches to real world events;
5. Understand the real-world, policy implications of different theoretical approaches and assumptions;
Personal and Key Skills6. Produce organised, independent recommendations for both expert and non-expert audiences in response to a brief; these recommendations should be clear, logical and achievable
7. Collaborate effectively with peers in order to present ideas and facilitate discussions;
8. Understand assessment criteria, engage in constructive peer-evaluation and produce feedback; and
9. Critically reflect on your own perspective, performance and contribution toward group tasks.