UV / Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2012-03-01
Syllabus valid from
2012-09-03
Entry requirements
Bachelor degree in the Human Rights, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies or related field. Proficiency in English equivalent to English course B in Swedish secondary school.
Level
Advanced level
No main field.
Progression level
A1N
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
This course is an elective module within Global Political Studies, one year master programme, 60 credits (SAGPE)and Globala politiska studier, magisterprogram 60 hp (SAGPS) it can also be read as a separate course.
Course contents
The course aims at providing students an understanding of how decision making takes place in different political systems and across different levels, i.e local, national, regional and international. Theories of decision making are addressed and illustrated in relation to actual decision making processes. Such processes are furthermore understood and analyzed in the context of development of states, local-national relations in different political systems and national-regional-international relations in the context of contemporary changes to states and global politics.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course the student shall
demonstrate knowledge about decision making theories
demonstrate knowledge about differences and similarities between decision making on local, national, regional and international levels
demonstrate knowledge about relevant historical and contemporary processes relating to decision making
Skills and abilities
On completion of the course the student shall
demonstrate an ability to analyze complex questions within the field and present the results both orally and in written form.
Demonstrate an ability to connect theory and empirical material, using relevant methods.
Judgement and approach
On completion of the course the student shall
demonstrate an ability to critically reflect on theory and methods central to the study of decision making processes
demonstrate an ability to analyze and evaluate information on a scientific basis
Learning activities
Learning activities consist of individual studies together with lectures and seminars. Lectures aim at giving an advanced orientation in theories relevant for the course. To the lectures are connected seminars. The aim of the seminars is to allow for discussion about theories as well as their application in relation to cases. In several of the seminars, students will be required to prepare oral and/or written presentations. It is of importance that students are well prepared for lectures as well seminars. Students are furthermore encouraged to organize their own study groups and seminars.
Assessment
The student’s abilities to adopt a critical stance and to independently evaluate knowledge are central to the assessment. Completing the tasks within the set time frame is also of importance. Students will be assessed through written assignments and oral presentations during the course. At the end of the course, a longer paper (up to 5000 words) shall be presented.
Course literature and other study material
March, James (2009) A Primer on Decision Making: How Decisions Happen. New York: The Free Press.
Smith, Steve, Hadfield, Amelia & Tim Dunne (2008) Foreign Policy. Theories-Actors-Cases. Oxford University Press
Risse, Thomas, Ropp, Stephen & Kathryn Sikkink (eds) The Power of Human Rights. International Norms and Domestic Change. Cambridge University Press.
Additional literature in form of articles will be given
Course evaluation
All students are given the oppourtunity to give their comments at the end of the course, in writing or orally. A compilation of the results will be available on the faculty computer net.
Student participation is in the form of course meetings.