The Politics of Foreign Policy (L2090)
The Politics of Foreign Policy
Module L2090
Module details for 2022/23.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Module Outline
Taught by Stefanie Ortmann.
Who acts in international relations, and why? All too often, in IR theory the answer seems to be states, or other collective actors, with their interactions determined by the logic of broad systemic forces. This however leaves out that actors may have choices, and how they arrive at such choices. Foreign policy making is a political process with domestic implications, and concepts such as 'the national interest' are by no means as clear and uncontested as foreign policy elites would like to make out. The module draws on classical and critical literature in foreign policy analysis to explore the broad tension between agency and structure (domestic and international) in international politics. It asks how decision-making in international politics may be less than rational, for a variety of reasons; how lobby groups and (perhaps) public opinion may influence foreign policy, and whether foreign policy still matters in an age of globalization. The module will conclude with a look at the contemporary foreign policies of selected states.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate a theoretical appreciation of the meaning of foreign policy in contemporary global politics.
Demonstrate an empirical appreciation of the key contemporary issues in foreign policy.
Demonstrate critical thinking and reasoning skills in writing about the analysis of foreign policy.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 20.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Portfolio | T2 Week 8 | 100.00% |
| Essay (2000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Tue 16:00 | 80.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Stefanie Ortmann
Convenor
/profiles/127239
Dr Melanie Richter-Montpetit
Assess convenor
/profiles/349663
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