Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

The module begins by considering how the subject of IR has developed through the twentieth century. It proceeds to consider three central approaches to world politics which debate the extent to which the international system can be reformed. The three approaches are liberal internationalism, realism and the English School or the 'international society' perspective. The module will examine key writers who represent each of these approaches.

The second group of lectures will explore some basic analytical problems that are recurrent in IR. What is the appropriate level of analysis - the individual, the state or the international system? Who are the principal actors, and is their nature now changing? When events happen in world politics, should we think of them as the result of decisions, and if so, who takes them?

The third group of lectures is organised around the theme of some contemporary issues in world politics. We will consider, amongst other things, ideas about the morality of war, human rights and humanitarian intervention, the significance of globalization for leading a decent life in different parts of the world and the question of cultural differences in world politics. We turn finally to two particular episodes: the end of the Cold War, and the terrorist attacks of September 11. We will use approaches and themes considered earlier in the module to analyse these concrete issues, all of which have raised large questions about the future of world politics and the prospects for global improvement or reform.


Lectures

1. Introduction to the Module

2. Why Study International Politics?

3. History and Evolution of IR

4. Liberal Internationalism: i) Overview

5. Liberal Internationalism: ii) Wilson, the Neo-Institutionalists and the Democratic Peace

6. Realism: i) Overview

7. Realism: ii) Morgenthau and Classical Realism, Waltz and Neorealism

8. The English School or International Society Approach: i) Overview

9. International Society: ii) Bull

10. Levels of Analysis

11. Actors

12. Decisions

13. Discussion Session

14. Moral Issues in World Politics

15. War and Morality

16. Human Rights and Intervention

17. Globalization and its Implications

18. The End of the Cold War

19. 9/11 and its Aftermath

20. Conclusions (The format of the examination will also be discussed in this lecture. There will also be a discussion of `exam technique')

Students will have the opportunity to acquire critical skills through the evaluation of different perspectives to world politics. Skills in assessing different philosophical and cultural standpoints will be developed along with an awareness of the ethical dimensions of policy-making and public life. In addition, transferable skills in analysing different perspectives and in applying them to the analysis of particular case-studies will be developed.

Through lecture and seminars, students will acquire more specific skills in textual interpretation and conceptual understanding. Seminars will provide the opportunity to collaborate in small groups and to make presentations. The essay will develop skills in independent research, structured and balanced argument and clear expression. The examination will develop skills in forward planning and in developing the capacity to assess different perspectives and arguments within time constraints.