MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: UPPNFB-30-1 Title: Politics Beyond the Nation State Version: 6

Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15

Module type: Standard

Owning Faculty: Social Sciences and Humanities

Field: Politics

Faculty Committee approval: VARC Date: 22/04/2009

Approved for Delivery by:

Valid from: September 2009 Discontinued from:

Contributes towards: Awards up to BA/BSc (Hons)

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Entry requirements:

Excluded combinations: None

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module a typical student will be able to:

1

Comprehend the development of the international political system (assessment components A and B)

2

Comprehend the nature of European politics (assessment components A and B)

3

Comprehend ethical issues in global politics (assessment components A and B)

4

Comprehend the international context in which states operate (assessment components A and B)

5

Construct logical arguments (assessment components A and B)

6

Substantiate arguments with empirical evidence and/or textual references (assessment components A and B)

7

Communicate clearly in writing (assessment components A and B)

8

Gather information and argument from a variety of sources (assessment components A and B)

9

Present material in a scholarly format (assessment components A and B)

Syllabus outline:

European Politics:

This section of the module will introduce students to the nature of European politics at levels beyond the state. Themes that will be examined will include: the politics of the EU, and European nationalism.

Global Issues:

This section will introduce students to issues which transcend the nation state and which possess a global importance. Students will also be introduced to the moral dimension of global politics. Issues that will be examined will include: global justice, human rights, the environment, war, and conflict.

Global Politics:

This section of the module will introduce students to global institutions, actors, and movements. Topics that will be examined will include: the UN, the WTO, international NGOS, and relations between the north and the south.

Teaching and learning methods: Weekly lectures and seminars, the latter increasingly student led. Feedback on written assessments

Reading strategy:

Students will be expected to buy one textbook for essential reading. A series of further readings will also be provided either in a reader or in digitised form. The module handbook will contain a list of further reading for each seminar topic. A good range of these items will be available in the short loan collection. There will also be use of online texts. Formal opportunities for students to start to develop their library and information skills are provided within the module.

Indicative Reading List:

The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, as indicated above, current advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms.

Arts, K. and Dickson, A. (2004) EU development cooperation: from model to symbol

Baylis, J., Smith, S. and Owens, P. (2008) The Globalisation of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations

Bomberg, E. (2008) The European Union: how does it work?

Bull, H. (1977) The Anarchical Society

Buzan, B. and Little, R. (2000) International Systems in World History

Cameron. F. (2004) The Future of Europe: integration and enlargement

Dinan, D. (2004) Europe recast: a history of the European Union

Duncan W., Jancar-Webster B., and Switky B. (2006) World Politics in the 21st Century

Footer, M. (2006) An institutional and normative analysis of the World Trade Organization

Held, D. and McGrew, A. (eds) (2000) The Global Transformations Reader

Hobson, J. (2000) The State in International Relations

Joireman, S. (2003) Nationalism and political identity

Kagan, R (2003) Paradise and Power: America and Europe in the New World Order

Krasno, J. (2004) The United Nations: confronting the challenges of a global society

McCormick, J. (2008) Understanding the European Union: A Concise Introduction

McMichael, P. (2000) Development and Social Change: A Global Perspective

Walzer M. (1992) Just and Unjust Wars

Relevant internet sites include: United Nations – www.un.org; European Union – www.europa.eu.int; European Voice – www.european-voice.com; The Economist – www.economist.com.

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B: A: 50% B: 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. Exam (3-hours) 50%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

1. Essay skills exercise (1500 words) 25%

2. Essay (1500 words) 25%

3. Essay (1500 words) 25%

Best two elements to count

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. Exam (3-hours) 50%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

1. Essay (3000 words) 50%

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is required.

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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