Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3054: Nuclear Weapons in International Relations

This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 academic year.

Module Aims

This module will provide you with:

  • ·        A grasp of the history of nuclear weapons over three ‘Ages’ from monopoly to Cold War to the 21st Century;
  • ·        The opportunity to evaluate competing visions of how nuclear weapons should be understood;
  • ·        A critical understanding of debates around what drives proliferation and disarmament;

A vital context for judging the validity of competing theoretical approaches to International Relations

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key issues revolving around nuclear weapons and international security;
2. apply this awareness to contemporary problems of proliferation and counter-proliferation;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. display an understanding of the evolution of strategic theory and international relations theory, and their utility for contemporary decision-making;
4. exercise informed judgement about change and continuity in international relations;
Personal and Key Skills5. conduct independent research, exercise critical judgement and write clearly and persuasively;
6. demonstrate the ability to analyse complex and fast-changing problems and to have the confidence – individually and as part of a group – to design and advocate workable strategic solutions; and
7. demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.