Politics and International Relations

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mustapha Pasha

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This course lays the foundations for, explores, and critically analyses the main theoretical paradigms and debates in International Relations, and engages with the complexity of debates on concepts in IR. The theoretical topics to be covered include debates on the international system, cooperation, world order, conflict, development, representation and identity. Students will also be introduced to some of the main debates in epistemology and methodology that apply to the discipline.

Structure

[e.g. 3 one hour lectures (Tue, Wed, Thur at 11) and 1 one hour tutorial (to be arranged) per week]

1 one hour lecture and 1 two hour seminar per week (Times TBA)

Assessment

Continuous assessment (50%), one two-hour written examination (50%).
One two-hour written examination (100%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mervyn Bain and Andrea Oelsner

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

The course will study international, domestic, cultural and ideological factors in contemporary Latin America, and pose analytical, empirical and ethical questions relevant to the region. The course aims to introduce students to the nuances and complexities involved in studying politics and international relations of contemporary Latin America. Its main themes will include dependency theory, liberation theology, revolutions, populism and neopopulism, democratisation, debt and globalisation, regional integration, the region’s international relations, and the study of the Latin American subregions

Structure

1 hour lecture and 2 hour seminar per week

Assessment

40% in-course assessment, 60% exam

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Prof. Neil Mitchell and Dr. David Galbreath

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The course content includes the historical and philosophical foundations of human rights, specific case analyses of human rights violations, structural, institutional, cultural and individual level theoretical approaches to human rights violations, international and regional organizations and human rights, foreign policy and human rights, and international and national responses to the legacies of human rights violations, for example truth commissions.

Structure

1 one hour lecture and 1 two hour seminar per week

Assessment

1 two hour written examination (60%); continuous assessment (40%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr Marysia Zalewski

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

o Theorizing gender/sex 1
o Theorizing of gender/sex 2
o Gender matters in the global political economy
o Human rights: sexual violence (Bosnia, Rwanda, Darfur)
o Human rights: trafficking
o Masculinity and militarization 1
o Human rights: trafficking
o Masculinity and militarization 1
o Democracy and citizenship 1
o Democracy and citizenship 1
o Multiculturalism and feminism
o Course review

Structure

3 hour lecture/seminar per week for 12 weeks

Assessment

Short paper (10%), one 3500 word essay (40%), Project (50%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr Andrea Teti

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

1. Roots of radicalism: European Imperialism and local authoritarianism in the interwar period
2. Dilemmas of Postcoloniality: Democratic promise and authoritarian practice in revolutionary republics
3. The ‘Return of Islamism’: From the Six-Day War to the Iranian Revolution
4. Reforming the Middle East: Dilemmas of economic and political liberalisation in the 1990s and beyond
5. The securitisation of Democracy in post-9/11 Western foreign policies towards the Middle East
6. Turkey, between Kemalist secularism, Islamist nationalism and the question of minorities
7. Egypt: The decline of the Left, weakness of Liberalism, and the return of the Ikhwan
8. Palestine/Israel from the Intifada to the election of Hamas
9. Religion, Ethnicity and Political Participation in Lebanon
10. Controlled Liberalisation in Morocco and Jordan
11. Islam and Democracy: the politics of the ‘Islamist Dilemma’?
12. Democracy without democrats? Controlled liberalism, façade democracy and authoritarian governmentality beyond the Middle East

Structure

1 one-hour lecture (TBA) and 1 two-hour hour tutorial (TBA) per week beginning in Week 1 of semester 2

Assessment

1 two-hour written examination (50%); continuous assessment (50%).

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr Ritu Vij

Pre-requisites

120 credits in the necessary courses in the MLitt programme

Notes

Overview

Students who meet the necessary requirements proceed to the dissertation. Students select a topic in consultation with the degree convenor that explores in depth some aspect(s) of International Relations. The dissertation is designed to allow students to extend an interest in some aspect of the degree and to have experience in formulating, designing and conducting their own social science research investigation. Students complete a 12-15,000 word dissertation under supervision.

Structure

Independent research under supervision

Assessment

12-15,000 word dissertation worth 100%

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Mervyn Bain

Pre-requisites

120 credits in the necessary courses in the MLitt in Latin American Studies programme

Overview

Students who meet the necessary requirements proceed to the 12-15,000 word dissertation, which is a compulsory part of the MLitt in Latin American Studies. It enables students to pursue in-depth knowledge and original research on a topic of the culture, society, politics or international relations of Latin America, subject to approval of the teaching staff. The dissertation is designed to allow students to extend an interest in some aspect of the degree and to have experience in formulating, designing and conducting their own research investigation. Students will be prepared for this by the core and elective courses of the MLitt programme, by one 2-hour seminar of dissertation-writing training, and by individual supervision.

Structure

One two-hour workshop in second half-session, followed by independent research under individual supervision.

Assessment

Dissertation, 12-15,000 words: 100%

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

David Galbreath

Pre-requisites

120 credits in the necessary courses in the MSc programme

Notes

Overview

Students who meet the necessary requirements proceed to the dissertation. Students select a topic in consultation with the degree convenor that explores in depth some aspect(s) of Democracy and Human Rights. The dissertation is designed to allow students to extend an interest in some aspect of the degree and to have experience in formulating, designing and conducting their own social science research investigation. Students complete a 12-15,000 word dissertation under supervision.

Structure

Independent research under supervision

Assessment

12-15,000 word dissertation worth 100%

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr J Wyllie

Pre-requisites

2nd Class Honours

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This module will examine the evolution, characteristics, and complexities of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and assess its significance for and impact upon stability and security throughout the Middle East and the wider international system. Topics addressed will include the creation of the modern Middle East, issues of legitimacy and democracy, Arab-Israeli wars since 1979, roles of the great powers and international organisations, contemporary issues, and prospects.

Structure

12 weeks of 3 hours (2 x 1 1/2 hour classes). 12 Lecture / discussion classes and 12 seminars where essays form the basis of class debate.

Assessment

M.Litt: Examination constitutes 67% of final award assessment and dissertation constitutes 33% of final award assessment. Written course work and regular class attendance is required for module completions. First semester modules are examined in January, and second semester modules are examined in May. Candidates who reach the required standard proceed to the dissertation. Candidates who achieve lower marks may be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr J Wyllie

Pre-requisites

2nd class honours degree

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This module will consider the contribution of strategy, as the mechanism for the application of power and force, to the pursuit of the national security objectives of states in the international system. Topics will include concepts of strategy, the changing nature of war, concepts of military power, theories of deterrence, limited war, intervention, arms control and disarmament, unconventional war and terrorism, and crisis management. Economic force as a strategic instrument will also be examined.

Structure

12 weeks of 3 hours (2 x 1 1/2 hour classes). 12 Lecture / discussion classes and 12 seminars where essays form the basis of class debate.

Assessment

M.Litt: Examination constitutes 67% of final award assessment and dissertation consitututes 33% of final award assessment. Written course work and regular class attendance are required for module completions. First semester modules are examined in January, and second semester modules are examined in May. Candidates who reach the required standard proceed to the dissertation. Candidates who achieve lower marks may be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr J Wyllie

Pre-requisites

2nd Class Honours Degree

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This module will examine the role of international security organisations in world politics. The conceptual origins, nature, and evolution of such organisations will provide the framework for analysis of contemporary issues. The histories, records and, where relevant, current strategies, of the League of Nations, United Nations, NATO, OSCE and the EU(CFSP/ESDP) will be scrutinised, as will concepts such as peace-keeping, peace-making, peace-enforcement, and preventative diplomacy.

Structure

12 weeks of 4 hours (2 x 1 1/2 hour classes). 12 Lecture / discussion classes and 12 seminars where essays form the basis of class debate.

Assessment

M.Litt: Examination constitutes 67% of final award assessment and dissertation constitutes 33% of final award assessment. Written course work and regular class attendance are required for module completions. First semester modules are examined in January, and second semester modules are excamined in May. Candidates who reach the required standard proceed to the dissertation. Candidates who achieve lower marks may be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma.
PG Diploma: Examination constitutues 100% of final award assessment (i.e. examinations of the four taught modules, having fulfilled written course work and attendance requirements as for the M. Litt).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Lynn Bennie

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This course will introduce students to a range of qualitative methods (such as participant observation, qualitative interviewing, and the use of focus groups) and to the secondary analysis of archived qualitative data. The focus will be practical, with students completing mini-projects on which they will give written and oral presentations. The emphasis will be on the research process, from project design to analysis and presentation with methodological issues raised in the context of researchable questions. Issues of reliability, representativeness and validity, and the potential for combining methods will be addressed. As with the other courses, students will be enouraged to link practical assignments to their proposed dissertation topic.

Structure

100% CA assessment
Presentations in class
On-going mini project with tutor support

Assessment

1 2,500 word essay

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Roland Axtmann

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

During the first semester, the main focus will be on political theories and concepts; during the second semester, the emphasis will shift to approaches and methods.
During the first half-session, students will be introduced to the different theoretical traditions of understanding politics in its 'domestic' and 'international' dimension. The sessions raise awareness that, depending on the theoretical perspective, academic and scholarly engagement with politics can proceed from both within a 'social science' and a 'humanities' perspective. The theory-dependency of concept-formation will be discussed and it will be analysed how concepts have been developed, refined and debated in practice within political science discourse. Concepts such as power, class, the state, sovereignty, governance, territoriality, legitimacy, rights, authority, identity and their formulation and formation in political theories will be analysed.
The second half-session module introduces students to the different analytical approaches in political science and international relations, for example, the institutional, the behaviourist, the functional, the historical-comparative approach and historical materialism. Discourse analysis and rational choice approaches will figure prominently given their importance in both political science and International Relations. Students will discuss the epistemological link between explanatory strategy and 'evidence' and, more generally, will analyse the intricate connections between choice of theory, concept-building, analytical approach and selection of research method.

Structure

Lectures and small group teaching and seminar sessions

Assessment

To be inserted

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Andrea Oelsner and Nerea Arruti

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

This course provides an advanced introduction to a variety of topics in Latin American Studies, which will enable students to choose an elective course for the second semester of the MLitt, and also lay the groundwork for those elective courses as well as for the Dissertation that they will write subsequently. The course will introduce a variety of disciplinary approaches, including those of anthropology, history, literary and cultural studies, and politics and international relations, and through these will illuminate a wide range of issues in Latin America. It will also be available for students of other MLitt and MRes programmes, pending approval of the course coordinator.

The course will be divided into two parts:
• An overview of politics and international relations in Latin America
• An overview of cultural and social issues in Latin America

Structure

1 two-hour seminar per week

Assessment

In-course assessment (100%) (See section 20 for details)

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Lynne Bennie

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

To understand political institutions, attitudes, behaviours and policy outcomes requires the application of concepts and theories to factual information about the political world. This course is an introduction to that endeavour and takes the student from the process of data collection, to measurement issues, and finally to analysis and the interpretation of results. It presents a range of qualitative methods and is designed as a practical introduction to research methods in politics and international relations.

Structure

One two hour session per week

Assessment

100% in-course assessment (3,000 word research report)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Patrick Bernhagen

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

 Theories of democracy and democratization
 Critical prerequisites and driving social forces of democratic transition
 Pivotal actors and institutions involved in democratization
 Conditions for democratic survival and the consolidation of newly democratized countries, and the analysis of failed democratization
 Analysis of how these factors have played a role in the different regions in which processes of democratization transplaced authoritarian systems
 Possible futures of democratization worldwide.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour seminar per week

Assessment

1 three hour written examination (60%); continuous assessment (40%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Christian W.Haerpfer

Pre-requisites

Students are required to have a very good first degree in social sciences or cognate discipline, usually a 2(i), or equivalent experience

Overview

Theories of Comparative European Politics; Methodology to study European Politics; Parties in European Politics; Democratization and European Politics; Social Capital and European Politics; Voting and Elections in European Politics; Institutions in European Politics; Values in European Politics.

Structure

1 lecture and 1 tutorial per week

Assessment

100% in-course assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Heinz Brandenburg

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

Preparation of MRes students for the conduct of original research also requires them to gain an understanding of the state of the discipline. This is a conceptual course; it introduces to and elaborates on core approaches, concepts and themes in international relations and politics. It offers an integrated overview of the joint disciplines of political science and international relations, covering mainstream approaches and dominant debates as well as key methodological controversies surrounding the study of domestic and international politics. The course covers themes such as rationality, political institutions, political behaviour, justice, democratisation and globalisation, as well as theoretical debates surrounding core paradigms of the discipline such as rational choice, poststructuralism, realism, etc.

Structure

One three hour session per week

Assessment

100% in-course assessment (Seminar presentation, 20%; Literature review essay, 4,000 words, 80%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr J Wyllie

Pre-requisites

2nd Class Honours Degree

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This module will examine the political and strategic characteristics, challenges and complexities of national and international security conditions in the Gulf and Caspian sub-region, location of the world's largest and most accessible proven oil reserves, and assess the impact of these conditions upon stability and security throughout the Middle East and the wider international system. Topics addressed will include ethnic, religious and political rivalries; the modern history of instability and conflict; goals, policies and vulnerabilities of local actors, e.g. Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia; the roles of external powers, e.g. the United States and Russia; the Gulf Cooperation Council: evolution and direction; internal political, economic and social strains within the Gulf states; and prospects for the area.

Structure

To be inserted

Assessment

M.Litt: Examination constitutes 67% of final award assessment and dissertation constitutes 33% of final award assessment. Written course work and regular class attendance is required for module completions. First semester modules are examined in January, and second semester modules are examined in May. Candidates who reach the required standard proceed to the dissertation. Candidates who achieve lower marks may be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

David Galbreath

Pre-requisites

2nd Class Honours

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This module will review the distinctive features of the pre and post 1989 institutional security arrangements for the European continent. Within this context, the security policies of, and relationships amongst, the leading states (US, UK, Russian Federation, Germany and France) will be examined. The objectives and postures of other states, either as a new NATO member (Poland), or aspiring NATO members (Baltic states), or neutral (Ireland) will also be considered.

Structure

12 weeks of 3 hours (2 x 1 1/2 hour classes). 12 Lecture / discussion classes and 12 seminars where essays form the basis of class debate.

Assessment

M.Litt: Examination constitutes 67% of final award assessment and dissertation constitutes 33% of final award assessment. Written course work and regular class attendance are required for module completions. First semester modules are examined in January, and second semester modules are excamined in May. Candidates who reach the required standard proceed to the dissertation. Candidates who achieve lower marks may be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma.
PG Diploma: Examination constitutues 100% of final award assessment (i.e. examinations of the four taught modules, having fulfilled written course work and attendance requirements as for the M. Litt).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr J Wyllie

Pre-requisites

2nd class honours degree

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This module will analyse the nature and condition of extra-European security since the end of the Cold War, and consider likely developments. The adaptation of the security policies of the United States and Russia are major elements of the module as are the related, salient security issues in the world's two most volatile regions, the Middle East and North East Asia. There will also be consideration of security issues in sub-Saharan Africa and in South Asia

Structure

12 weeks of 3 hours (2 x 1 1/2 hour classes). 12 Lecture / discussion classes and 12 seminars where essays form the basis of class debate.

Assessment

M.Litt: Examination constitutes 67% of final award assessment and dissertation constitutes 33% of final award assessment. Written course work and regular class attendance are required for module completions. First semester modules are examined in January, and second semester modules are examined in May. Candidates who reach the required standard proceed to the dissertation. Candidates who achieve lower marks may be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma.
PG Diploma: Examination constitutues 100% of final award assessment (i.e. examinations of the four taught modules, having fulfilled written course work and attendance requirements as for the M. Litt).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

To be inserted

Pre-requisites

To be inserted

Co-requisites

To be inserted

Notes

Overview

To be inserted

Structure

To be inserted

Assessment

To be inserted

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr J Wyllie

Pre-requisites

2nd Class Honours Degree

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This module will consider the historical, economic, technological and institutional characteristics and complexities of the natural resource industries in the Middle East, with a particular focus on oil and gas in the Gulf and Caspian sub-region. Topics addressed will include major insititutional actors, e.g. OPEC, Oil/energy ministries; pipeline / transportaton issues; price changes and OECD economies; non-OPEC production; non-conventional oil alternatives, e.g. tar sands, shale; global gas picture; the water debate; prospects.

Structure

To be inserted

Assessment

M.Litt: Examination constitutes 67% of final award assessment and dissertation constitutes 33% of final award assessment. Written course work and regular class attendance is required for module completions. First semester modules are examined in January, and second semester modules are examined in May. Candidates who reach the required standard proceed to the dissertation. Candidates who achieve lower marks may be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr J Wyllie

Pre-requisites

2nd Class Honours Degree

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This module will consider the profound experience of war on civilians as well as upon military personnel. It will examine what makes it possible to mobilise a society for war and how involvement in warfare is perceived and later reworked in the collective memory. Topics considered will include civilian attitudes to war; warfare, national solidarity and welfare; armed forces as sub-cultures in societies; technology and war; the social impact of invasion and occupation; subjective experience of battle; changing religious attitudes to war; propaganda and 'demonisation'; media coverage of wars; anti-war movements; and feminist views of war.

Structure

12 weeks of 4 hours (2 x 2 hour classes. 12 Lecture / discussion classes and 12 seminars where essays form the basis of class debate.

Assessment

M.Litt: Examination constitutes 44%, dissertation constitutes 33%, and essay work constitutes 23% of final award assessment. Written course work and regular class attendance are required for module completions. First semester modules are examined in January, and second semester modules are examined in May. Candidates who reach the required standard proceed to the dissertation. Candidates who achieve lower marks may be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma.

PG Diploma: Examination (i.e. examinations of the four taught modules, having fulfilled written course work and attendance requirements as for the M. Litt) consitututes 67.5% and essay work 32.5% of final award assessment.

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Anders Widfeldt

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This course will introduce students to a range of quantatitative methods (surveys, sampling, statistical analysis of collected data) and to the secondary analysis of archived quantitative data. Some of the teaching will be practical, with students completing mini-projects on which they will give written and oral presentations, but there will also be traditional teaching, where students will get the opportunity to refresh and develop their knowledge of statistical techniques. The emphasis will be on the research process, from project design to analysis and presentation, with methodological issues raised in the context of researchable questions. Issues of reliability and validity, and the potential for combining methods will be addressed, and the positivist research approach will be subject to critical discussion. As with the other courses, students will be encouraged to link practical assignments to their proposed dissertation topic.

Structure

One two hour seminar per week.

Assessment

100% Continuous Assessment: a research report of 2,500 words

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Heinz Brandenburg

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

A full understanding of the methodological basis of inquiry into political processes, institutions, behaviour and attitudes is a necessary preparation for MRes students. To this end, the course introduces to a range of important topics with regard to research design: philosophy of science, the nature, value and problems associated with comparative political science, the logic of scientific inference, the interrelationship between theories and methods, the scientific standards of falsifiability, validity, reliability and replicability, and the basic principles of data collection. In addition, the course will familiarise students with a range of available data types (e.g. from surveys, texts, oral accounts, documents or experiments), the selection criteria involved in choosing data for hypothesis testing, as well as general problems of operationalisation, measurement and credibility of data sources.

Structure

One two-hour sessions per week

Assessment

100% in-course assessment (Research design presentation, 20%; Research design essay, 3,000-4,000 words, 80%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr Patrick Bernhagen

Pre-requisites

x

Co-requisites

x

Notes

Overview

x

Structure

x

Assessment

x

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Professor Neil Mitchell

Pre-requisites

To be inserted

Co-requisites

To be inserted

Notes

Overview

To be inserted

Structure

None

Assessment

To be inserted