Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3207: Realism and International Security

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 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:

  • the historical genesis of realist thought in international politics,
  • variations of realist argument, and the criticisms that get levelled against them,
  • the implications of realist logic for enduring questions of international security, such as prospects for international cooperation, the role of nuclear weapons, and so forth, and
  • the applicability of realist arguments to contemporary security challenges, such as NATO-Russian relations, the rise of China, the possible demise of US global dominance, UK defence policy, and so forth. 

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 & Teaching activities2211 x 2 hour seminars
Guided independent study50Private study - reading and preparing for seminars
Guided independent study78Preparation for essay - including researching and collating relevant sources; planning the structure and argument; writing up the essay

Online Resources

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