University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised October 2005)

Code: UPPNJG-30-3 Title: International Relations Project Version: 2

Level: 3 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15

Module type: Project

Owning Faculty: Social Sciences and Humanities Field: Politics

Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from:

Contributes towards: Awards up to BA (Hons)

Pre-requisites: UPPNGV-30-2 Foreign Policy Analysis or equivalent

Co-requisites: UPPNJC-30-3 Global Political Analysis

Excluded combinations: UPPNJF-30-3 International Studies Project

UPPNJA-30-3 Politics Project

Learning outcomes:

On completion of the module students should be able to:

§ plan and develop a research project proposal in an agreed subject area (Component B, element 1);

§ collect information and data from a wide variety of sources and assess the accuracy and reliability of such material (Component B);

§ appreciate the variety of ideas, analytical perspectives and other views pertaining to a particular issue in the field of International Relations (Component B);

§ apply analytical models and argument to empirical data to construct a clear and coherent discussion on the chosen topic (Component B);

§ create a lengthy word processed document including the appropriate use of presentational formats (tables, charts, references, etc.) (Component B, element 2).

Syllabus outline:

None

Teaching and learning methods:

Students chose their own topic within certain constraints (e.g. whether the project is `doable’ and whether sufficient academic material is readily available). A supervisor with specialist knowledge in the field of study chosen is appointed to give guidance and support, but students are expected to motivate themselves to keep to schedule. Staff can either make regular appointments, or make themselves available on an "as necessary" basis.

The first assessment point is a progress report that allows the student to conduct some initial research and identify the problems that they may encounter. This also ensures that students are do not delay the commencement of their project, as the preparation for the formal proposal requires them to develop a clear and coherent structure for the project as well as an initial survey of sources in the first months of their project work.

Students must produce a project of around 12,000 words in length. It must contain a literature review, findings including an analysis drawn from the field of International Relations (or one of its sub-disciplines) and empirical data, and a conclusion. The format must be standard academic dissertation style (a detailed handout on presentation is given to all students).

Indicative sources:

Suggested readings:

Silbergh, D.M. Doing Dissertations in Politics London: Routledge 2001

Harrison, L. Political Research: an introduction (especially chapter nine)

London: Routledge, 2001

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: B:

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. Progress report (2000 words) 15%

2. Project (12,000 words) 85%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

N/A

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

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. Redrafted project (12,000 words) 100%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

N/A

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is not required.

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

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)