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World Politics

Programme overview

This module provides an introduction to the study of World Politics/International Relations.

It examines the historical underpinnings of the system of states, the contemporary structure of international relations, key actors within that structure, key issues of concern, and theories of international relations.

It provides a solid grounding for further study in politics, international relations, and political economy in the 2nd and 3rd years.

The reading material is mainly drawn from the literature on Politics/International Relations, but students are encouraged to read widely from cognate disciplines: History, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy and Economics.

Module objectives:

  • To be familiar with the structure of the international political system and the theoretical debates surrounding the structure and nature of international relations.
  • To have an understanding of the history of post-1945 international politics.
  • To have an awareness of the concepts used in contemporary world politics.
  • To be familiar with a range of contemporary literature on world politics.
  • To be able to critically analyse ideas, both orally and in writing, with relation to world politics.
  • To develop IT and research skills through the use of the Library, internet and e-mail based research skills.
  • To develop the ability to work both as part of a group and independently.

Module Director:

Iain Pirie