Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL2125: The West, Civilizations, and World Order

This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.

Module Aims

This module introduces students to the study of transatlantic relations and ‘the West’ in international relations (IR). It aims to provide students with a firm grasp and a critical perspective on the key historical developments, theoretical approaches, policy debates, and political controversies on the transatlantic alliance and the ‘West’, and their relationship to world order. The module will familiarise students with the histories and theories of American-European relations, the processes and politics of Western identity formation, controversies surrounding the notion of ‘the West’ as a civilization, the role of the West in shaping the contemporary (liberal) world order, critiques of Western-centrism in the social sciences and world politics, debates about the Western or universal character of liberal norms, and the future of the West and the contemporary (liberal) world order in an era of rising powers and populism.

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. Discuss the histories, theories, and case studies about the transatlantic relation and ‘the West’ in international relations.
2. Evaluate the internal dynamics and external influences of the transatlantic relation and ‘the West’ in world politics.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Demonstrate an understanding of the debates and theories about the transatlantic relation and ‘the West’ as a field of academic knowledge and its applicability to a range of case studies and empirical situations.
4. Exercise informed judgment concerning the internal dynamics and external influence of the transatlantic community on world order.
5. Exercise informed judgment concerning the role of the concept of ‘the West’ in scholarly, policy and public debates in world politics.
Personal and Key Skills6. Exercise informed judgment concerning the role of the concept of ‘the West’ in scholarly, policy and public debates in world politics.
7. Write and present complex arguments clearly and persuasively.
8. Demonstrate critical judgment and confidence in articulating and defending your opinions.