Approaches to Politics and International Relations (U03220)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : SPS-3-APIR

This core course will familiarize students with some key explanatory approaches developed to understand politics and international relations. Several competing approaches -- rational choice, institutionalism, constructivism and critical approaches-- will be introduced and linked to ?real life? situations and cases. The course will also include a section on research design which will equip students with the analytical and methodological skills necessary for independent research.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Politics, (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
09/01/2008	11:10	12:00	Lecture Theatre, Robson Building	Med+Vet

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Wednesday	11:10	12:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

? Develop knowledge and understanding of the principal theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of politics and international relations;
? Enable students to identify theoretical positions occupied by other scholars and to draw on these different approaches in analysing political events and processes;
? Equip students with the theoretical and analytical skills necessary for independent research;