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British Foreign Policy after the Cold War - POL00011H

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  • Department: Politics
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Jim Buller
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module summary

This module is designed to give students an opportunity to further develop their interest in British politics. It begins with a couple of lectures and seminars introducing students to different theories of international relations and foreign policy. The subsequent sessions will then critically assess these theoretical approaches by applying them to some of the key developments in British foreign policy since 1990. These developments include: the Major Government and the European issue; the Blair Government and the ethical dimension to British foreign policy; the invasion of Iraq; the intervention in Libya; and Brexit.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module is designed to give students an opportunity to further develop their interest in British politics. It begins with a couple of lectures and seminars introducing students to different theories of foreign policy analysis. The subsequent sessions will then critically assess these theoretical approaches by applying them to some of the key developments in British foreign policy since 1990.

Module learning outcomes

  • To further develop students' ability to relate concepts and theoretical interpretations to a number of empirical issues and problems;
  • To sharpen students' transferable skills, particularly their ability to present clear and cogent arguments, both verbally and in writing.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay 3000 words		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay 3000 words		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor's feedback and guidance hours.

Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than 20 working days after submission; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor's regular feedback and guidance hours.

Indicative reading

J. Gaskarth (2013) British Foreign Policy (Cambridge: Polity)

C. Hill (2019) The Future of British Foreign Policy: Security and Diplomacy in a World After Brexit (Cambridge: Policy)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.