COURSE CURRICULUM

The course focuses on global political and economic issues, providing students with an understanding of policy-making, international relations, and development. In Block 1, Culture, Negotiation and Policy Formation, students explore political culture, diplomacy, governance, and the media's role in policy formation. The module emphasizes real-world engagement with policy-making practitioners at local, national, and international levels, with students participating in simulation exercises that build intercultural skills and global awareness. Assessment includes a position paper (65%) and a policy briefing paper (35%).Block 2, Theory and Practice of International Relations, introduces students to key theories in international relations. Topics such as state-building, foreign policy, and power dynamics are covered, along with contemporary innovations like global historical sociology. This module aims to enhance students' research and academic writing skills, with assessment involving a literature review essay (35%) and reflective pieces (65%).In Block 3, Global Political Economy and Development, students examine the political, sociological, and cultural factors shaping the global economy. The module focuses on global capitalist development, historical inequalities, and neoliberal globalization, addressing global challenges like poverty and climate change. Students engage with case studies of the Global South and alternative development approaches. The assessment is based on a group project presentation (100%).Block 4, Global Transformations: Space, Society and Livelihoods, takes a bottom-up approach to understanding global challenges at the local level. It explores how neoliberalism and austerity impact daily life and governance, highlighting alternative strategies to capitalist economies. The assessment includes a portfolio with an essay (50%) and a case study report (50%).Finally, in Blocks 5 and 6, students complete a dissertation, applying research methods and techniques to an independent study. The dissertation accounts for 100% of the assessment and involves both a taught component on research methods and a self-directed study phase under supervision.