POL2016 : Foreign Policy Analysis: Theories and Approaches (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2024/25
- Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
- Module Leader(s): Dr James Bilsland
- Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module will introduce students to Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA), a growing sub-discipline of International Politics. FPA is a methodologically and theoretically diverse subject which seeks to explain state behavior in the international system. The module will introduce students to the major theories, approaches and debates within FPA.
There are two main aims for this course. First, to develop a well-informed, critical and conceptually sophisticated understanding of foreign policy. Second, to foster an improved grasp of the discipline of politics, especially the concepts, models, theories and methods appropriate to the study of foreign policy.
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics covered may include: 1. The development of foreign policy analysis as a discipline, 2. The agent-structure debate, 3. The policymaking cycle, 4. The rational policymaking model, 5. The organisational process model, 6. The bureaucratic politics model, 7. Realism, 8. Liberalism, 9. Constructivism, 10. Poststructuralism 11. The media and foreign policy.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Present-in-person lecture |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Present-in-person seminar |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Synchronous online drop-in surgery Q&A feedback hour |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 167:00 | 167:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will introduce students to the key actors, processes, theories and approaches to the study of foreign policy. Lectures will also provide guidance on conducting further, independent research. Seminars will allow students to discuss topics raised by the lecture and seminar reading. The drop in surgery will allow students to ask staff further questions. This will help to deepen students’ understanding of foreign policy and help them to develop their critical thinking, analytical and communication skills.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 2880 | 2 | A | 60 | 2000 word take home exam, 48 hours. Expected completion time around 4hrs. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 2 | M | 40 | 1,500 word policy brief |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The policy brief will develop the practical and transferable skills which students will use in the workplace, thus increasing their employability. The unseen written exam will assess students’ understanding of the actors and processes involved in the making of foreign policy. It will also assess their ability to engage critically with theories of foreign policy. Both the policy brief and the 48 hour take home exam will assess students’ research, writing and presentation skills.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- POL2016's Timetable