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PIR-20090 - Module Specification
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 24 April 2024

PIR-20090 - Foreign Policy
Coordinator: Heidi Wang-Kaeding Tel: +44 1782 7 33217
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None


Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module provides an introduction to the study of foreign policy, which is a core theme in International Relations. We will examine the theories and concepts employed by foreign policy specialists, and proceed to try to explain or evaluate the foreign policy behaviour of a set of countries.

Aims
¿ A demonstrable knowledge of different approaches to the study of foreign policy.
¿ A clear understanding of the key post-Cold War foreign policy problems in a variety of Western and non-Western geographies.
¿ An ability to understand and apply concepts and theories to case studies.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/pir-20090/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Attain detailed familiarity with the key conceptual and theoretical debates within the literature on the study and practice of foreign policy: 1,2
Develop critical thinking of scholarly literature in terms of various explanations about foreign policy behaviours: 1,2
Engage with questions about the politics of foreign policy in both verbal discussions and written productions and develop both clarity and individuality in participants¿ writing and speaking skills: 1,2

Study hours

10 hours attendance at lectures [scheduled]
10 hours attendance at seminars [scheduled]
5 hours of pair supervision about the essay topics [scheduled]
10 hours of making pair presentation [independent]
15 hours of pair presentation preparation [independent]
20 hours of preparing for seminars [independent]
80hours of essay writing and preparation [independent]

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Presentation weighted 40%
Pair presentation
In week 1, students identify themes that interest them and are allocated to presentation pairs. The group presentation has a duration of 10-15 minutes. All members of the presentation pair will be awarded the same mark. The presentation starts in week 2. Pre-recorded learning materials will be uploaded to assist their preparation.

2: Group Essay weighted 60%
Co-authored essay
The presentation pairs will write an essay together. Students decide on the essay questions. It is strongly recommended that they consult the lecturer about the scope of their questions. Each essay must explain, in the very beginning, who writes which part. A differentiated mark will be given to the co-authored essay. Namely, each student will be given a mark that reflects their contribution to the essay. The length of this co-authored essay is 1000-1500 words including references.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 24 April 2024