Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL2117: Great Power Politics

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

This module will provide you with:

Theoretical understanding of the causes of great power competition and cooperation, including both the comparison of theories to explore their explanatory utility and the application of theory to contemporary debates in great power relations;
Empirical knowledge of past and present great power interactions, thereby providing an evidence base with which to assess the competing claims of different explanatory theories as well as the background knowledge that informs our understanding of contemporary problems; and
Applicable insights for national security strategy/policy.

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 Skills	1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key issues around great power politics and international relations. 2. Apply this awareness to contemporary problems of strategy and statecraft.
Discipline-Specific Skills	3. Display an understanding of the evolution of international relations and strategic theory, and their utility for contemporary decision-making. 4. Exercise informed judgement about change and continuity in international politics.
Personal and Key Skills	5. Conduct independent research, exercise critical judgement, and write clearly and persuasively. 6. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.