Course syllabus autumn 2007
Course syllabus autumn 2007
Title
Term 1: Bachelor's Programme in International Relations
Swedish title
Term 1: Bachelor's Programme in International Relations
Course code
IM405E
Credits
30 credits
Grading scale
UV / Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Board of Studies at the Department of International Migration and Ethnic Relations
Syllabus approval date
2007-03-02
Syllabus valid from
2007-03-02
Entry requirements
English B.
Level
Basic level
No main field.
Progression level
G1N
Course contents
The course consists of the following modules:
- Oral and Writing Proficiency (7.5 credits)
- Contemporary History (7.5 credits)
- Introduction to International Relations (7.5 credits)
- Thematic Studies (7.5 credits)
The module Oral and Writing Proficiency runs parallel with the module Contemporary History, which primarily embraces the study of a variety of 20th-century events that colour society today. For example, the module includes the two World Wars, and the ensuing Cold War period. In addition, the module covers the study of the United Nations as a global organisation, conflict and cooperation patterns since the end of the Cold War, the development of globalisation, and the decolonisation of the Third World. With reference to the historical development of international relations, pre-20th-century events will also be alluded to in the module.
The Oral and Writing Proficiency module has practical aims in view. The purpose of teaching oral proficiency is to allow the student to reach a level of confidence when giving oral presentations before an audience. The module addresses vocal quality, body language, presentation technique, and knowledge of how different types of subject matter place different demands on the presentation. Writing proficiency tuition deals with the craftsmanship of writing in general and academic writing in particular. The aim is that the student will learn to live up to the fundamental demands of informative, argumentative and exploratory writing, and increase awareness of his or her own writing and how this can develop. The module also attends to career planning. The focus is partly on study technique and learning strategies, and partly competence development. Study technique and learning strategies concern the student finding his or her own studying strategies through both reflecting on the knowledge and experience obtained prior to university and through learning about the university’s working methods. Competence development concerns the student identifying those competencies generated through the education.
The module Introduction to International Relations provides a comprehensive introduction to the main subject, international relations, and takes up concepts, definitions and fundamental principles, all of which are essential in the analysis of that subject.
The module Thematic Studies comprises group work wherein students are afforded the opportunity to apply their primary knowledge of international relations through specialising in an empirical case study, for example, a current event or conflict.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
After finishing the course, the student:
- can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the history of our times and other important historical events which have influenced the development of international relations;
- can show knowledge and understanding of concepts, definitions and principles that are fundamental to discussions and issues regarding international relations and
- can show knowledge of Malmö University’s perspectives: environment, gender, and migration and ethnicity.
Applying knowledge and understanding
After finishing the course, the student:
- can show the ability to identify, formulate and resolve fundamental problems and assignments concerning international relations within agreed timetables;
- can show the ability to argue and account for his or her evaluation and analysis of problems concerning international relations;
- can show the ability to, individually or collectively, assemble, treat and align information on international relations, and account for it in a logical and coherent manner;
- will have improved his or her ability to communicate with authority, reliability and conviction both orally and in writing;
- has the ability to write scientific texts proficient in style, structure and source documentation and
- can apply knowledge of Malmö University’s perspectives to issues pertaining to international relations.
Making judgments and communication skills
After finishing the course, the student:
- will have increased awareness of his or her own use of language in formal contexts;
- can show the ability to reflect independently upon key issues within international relations as well as the development of contemporary international relations, and
- can independently evaluate his or her knowledge of international relations and identify his or her need for further knowledge and competency within the subject.
Learning activities
The introductory term consists of self-studies of course literature and teaching in the form of lectures and seminars. Teaching of the module Oral and Writing Proficiency consists of classes in small groups, lectures and independent studies. The module Thematic Studies primarily incorporates independent group work.
Student course participation is realised through course evaluation feedback and through regular meetings of the programme council during the term.
Assessment
Examination of the Contemporary History module consists of a supervised written test, where knowledge and understanding of the history of our times is examined. The module Introduction to International Relations is examined through an assessed home assignment relating to knowledge and understanding of basic issues within the area of international relations. The module Thematic Studies is examined through a written assignment and an oral presentation.
With regards to examination of the aforementioned modules, the student is partly judged on his or her ability to analyse, evaluate and solve problems concerning the subjects in question as dictated by the particular module and also on his or her ability to work within an agreed timetable and to fulfil examination requirements.
Examination of the module Oral and Writing Proficiency consists of practical assignments. Oral proficiency is examined continually through a number of ancillary assignments. Writing proficiency is examined through a written assignment to be worked on until the requisite level is reached.
Re-sit examinations
Students who do not pass the regular course examinations have the minimum of two re-sit opportunities. Re-sits take the same form as the original exams, apart from re-sits for group work, which take the form of individual written and oral assignments.
Course literature and other study material
Module Contemporary History
Calvocoressi, Peter (2000) World Politics 1945-2000 (London: Pearson Higher Education)
Jackson, Julian (2002) Europe: 1900-1945 (Oxford University Press)
Module Introduction to International Relations
Baylis, John and Smith, Steve (2004) The Globalization of World Politics (Third revised edition) (Oxford: Oxford University Press) (848s)
Course evaluation
All students are offered an opportunity to give oral and written feedback at the end of the course. A summary of the results will be made available in the school’s web-pages.