Module POL2020 for 2022/3
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
POL2020: Contemporary Theories of World Politics
This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.
Module Aims
This module provides an introduction to, and critical examination of, contemporary theoretical approaches to world politics. The study of conceptual frameworks in International Relations (IR) is important for how it can enhance our understanding of the dynamics of politics, including why and how the political world takes its existing forms. Theory is also the centre of gravity in the field of IR, providing points of collaboration and contestation between scholars on the nature of international political enquiry.
On completion of this module, you will have a good understanding of the origins and development of IR as an academic discipline, the way in which theory has shaped this development, and the world-historical events that prompted the development of the theory and the subject itself.
The method of the course is broadly contextualist and analytical, inviting you to think about the context of theory development as well as the ways in which theories ‘make sense’ internally and in relation to one another. In the seminars and assessment, students are asked to think in an open and critical manner about the purpose of theories of world politics, including understanding the major attributes of each framework and how, most importantly, they can be ‘put to work’ through empirical illustrations. Students are pushed to embrace a sophisticated vision of IR theories, and start the module with a fresh mind without biased or dogmatic preconceptions on specific approaches.
This module will give you a solid grounding in IR and be of value to all related modules at level 2 and level 3.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of IR theory; 2. show knowledge of contemporary issues in international politics; 3. articulate your own ethical and political positions on questions of international politics. |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. critically analyse both empirical and theoretical material in international politics; 5. deploy theoretical arguments and apply them to empirical case studies in international politics; 6. engage in the critique of theoretical arguments in international politics. |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. construct reasoned argument; 8. communicate effectively in speech and writing; 9. work independently and with peers to achieve common goals; 10. use ICT appropriately; 11. demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz | 200 words equivalent | 1-11 | Written comments |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Analysis | 50 | 1,500 words | 1-10 | Written comments |
| Theoretical Essay | 50 | 1,500 words | 1-10 | Written comments |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Analysis | Case Analysis (1,500 words) | 1-10 | August/September reassessment period |
| Theoretical Essay | Theoretical Essay (1,500 words) | 1-10 | August/September reassessment period |
