Foundations of International Relations (pathway elective) (005RE)

15 credits, Level 4

Spring teaching

This module introduces you to the conceptual history of international relations and outlines the specific characteristics of International Relations (IR) as a distinct scholarly discipline. We will consider what constitutes its core conceptual and methodological coordinates at the present time by looking at historical development of IR through a series of conceptual and methodological debates which will allow you to theoretically frame the global issues discussed in the first semester. Classically these debates are conceived of as tracing a path from idealism via realism to a pluralist methodological position. Understanding these debates, the circumstances that have given rise to them, and the methods they have generated will give you a good basic orientation in the disciplinary terrain of IR.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 128 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• Law with International Relations LLB