Course syllabus autumn 2010
Course syllabus autumn 2010
Title
Introduction to the Bachelor’s Programme in International Relations
Swedish title
Introduction to the Bachelor’s Programme in International Relations
Course code
IR201E
Credits
22.5 credits
Grading scale
UV / Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Board of Studies at Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2009-03-04
Syllabus valid from
2009-09-01
Entry requirements
General eligibility and the equivalence of English course B.
Level
Basic level
No main field.
Progression level
G1N
Course contents
Course content
The course consists of the following modules:
• Contemporary history (7,5 credits)
• Introduction to international relations (7,5 credits)
• Theme studies (7,5 credits)
The module Contemporary History primarily embraces the study of a variety of events in the twentieth century which influence today’s society. For example, the module includes the two World Wars and the resultant Cold War which culminated in the fall of the Berlin Wall. The module also covers studies of the United Nations as a world organisation, conflicts and cooperation during the last twenty years, the development of globalisation, and the decolonisation of the Third World. With reference to the historical development of international relations, certain pre-20th-century events will also be alluded to in the module.
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 discussion of that subject.
The module Theme Studies consists of group work wherein students are afforded the opportunity to apply their basic knowledge of international relations to a case study, or a current event or conflict that has a close bearing on the subject of international relations.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
After finishing the course, the student:
- can show knowledge and understanding of the history of our times and other important historical events that have had a bearing on 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 basic questions 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 and assignments relating to the course content, both orally and in writing;
- can individually or collectively assemble, treat and align information on international relations, and account for it in a logical and coherent manner; 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 follow the development of international relations in contemporary society, both in Sweden and abroad 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
Learning activities in the introductory term include lectures and seminars. The module Thematic Studies in International relations consists principally of a project carried out in independent groups.
A large part of the learning activities are made up of self-studies
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 covered on the course. The module Thematic Studies in International relations 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. In addition, the student’s ability to analyse and reflect upon the ties between international relations and contemporary society is evaluated.
Re-sit examinations
Students who do not pass the regular course exams have the minimum of two re-sit opportunities. Re-sits follow 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
Contemporary history studies (7,5 credits)
• Hwa Upshur, Janice J. Terry, Jim Holoka, and Richard D. Goff (2004) World History, Since 1500: The Age of Global Integration, Volume II (Wadsworth Publishing). ISBN 9780495129257. Alternative: Woodruff, William (2002) A Concise History of the Modern World. 1500 to the Present. (Palgrave). ISBN 9780333971635.
• McDonough, Frank (1997) The Origins of the First and Second World Wars (Cambridge University Press). ISBN 9780521568616.
Additional material (max 100 pages) – see lecture presentations.
Introduction to International relations The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations by John Baylis, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens
Course 3: Theme studies (7,5 credits)
No literature
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.