Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of the module is to introduce students to the study of the United Nations with reference to its policy, politics and power.

Related to this, the module:

• Discusses the key theories and concepts related to the study of the UN.

• Explores the origins and historical roots of the UN.

• Examines the function of the UN's main organs and their role in the organisation's decision making process.

• Highlights the activities of the UN in different areas of policy.

• Demonstrates that the UN is central to global politics and a site of global policy making.

Outline Of Syllabus

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the study of UN with reference to its policy, politics and power. For over 75 years, the UN has been at the centre of international politics. For much of this period of time, the role and purpose of the UN has been contested. The UN continues to be dogged by controversy and disputes about its role and legitimacy. At the same time, however, the organisation's 193 member states, NGOs and private citizens have looked to the UN to play a lead role in finding solutions to many of the issues that characterise the global world in which we live. The module examines the activities of the UN with regards to these issues as well as the principal organs (for example Security Council) that make up the UN and play a key role in the organisation's decision making process. In examining the UN's activities and decision making, the module demonstrates that the UN is a key actor in global politics and a site of global policy making.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will have:

1 Extended further their knowledge of global politics.

2 Gained new knowledge of the UN by examining related theories, concepts and debates.

3 Have a clear understanding of the origins/development of the UN and and the functions of the UN's principal organs.

4 Discussed and examined case studies related to the role of the UN and, in doing so, developed the knowledge needed to critically assess the UN as both an actor and site of global policy making.

5 Have a level of knowledge and understanding of the UN that should allow them to undertake further study on this subject in the future.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The module will develop students experience of and skills in:

1 Critical analysis, thinking and writing.

2 Directed and independent research.

3 Essay planning, preparation and writing at a postgraduate level.

4 Presenting and receiving feedback on their views and ideas.

5 Identifying and drawing information from a wide range of different source material (for example academic books/journals, official publications and short films).

6 Synthesising and presenting information and arguments in both oral and written formats.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The two hour weekly seminar will involve a combination of a presentation by the module leader and student led discussion. Key readings and related questions will be assigned for each seminar. These key readings and related questions will form the basis of seminar discussion. Some discussion will take place in small groups followed by 'whole group' discussion and debate. The themes of the seminars will relate to the theoretical, methodological and substantive issues outlined in the module aims. In each seminar, students will have the opportunity to ask questions, raise issues of interest, present their own ideas and arguments, and receive formative feedback from module leader on these ideas.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The research paper is an appropriate way of assessing research and writing skills as well as the ability of students to apply what they learn in seminar to research questions relevant to their programmes.

General Notes

N/A