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PIM96 - The Making of British Foreign and Defence Policy

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PIM96-The Making of British Foreign and Defence Policy

Module Provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and International Studies
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Graham O'Dwyer

Email: g.m.odwyer@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Drawing from the subfields of foreign policy analysis, UK politics, and comparative politics this module aims to provide students with an enhanced understanding of British foreign and defence policy in a contemporary context. It places a particular emphasis on how policy is formulated and on the ideas, values, and assumptions which inform policy. It also compares British foreign and defence policy with that of other economically advanced democratic states.


Aims:


  • Develop knowledge of the various actors and institutions which contribute to the making of British foreign and defence policy and of the process by which policy is made;

  • Develop appreciation of the range of means by which the UK promotes its national interests;

  • Develop understanding of the value of comparative analysis for analysing British foreign and defence policy;

  • Enable students to articulate a clear understanding of the broad contours of British foreign policy;

  • Cultivate the critical skills, awareness, and understanding necessary to recognize, evaluate, and explain current and future developments in British foreign policy.


Assessable learning outcomes:

Intended learning outcomes:



By the end of the module you will be able to demonstrate:




  • knowledge of the actors and institutions which contribute to the making of British foreign and defence policy;

  • understanding of the process by which policy is made;

  • awareness of the range of means by which the UK promotes its national interests;

  • understanding of the ideas, assumptions, and va lues which drive British foreign policy;

  • Knowledge and understanding of a range of academic arguments about aspects of British foreign and defence policy;

  • an ability to reflect upon and critically assess foreign policy from a range of perspectives;

  • an ability to reflect critically on the significance of the political context in which British defence actors operate.



Assessable learning outcomes:



The module also aims to develop:




  • students’ ability to think critically about the uses and limitations of evidence in relation to British foreign and defence policy;

  • an appreciation of different ways of analysing foreign and defence policy;

  • the knowledge and skills required to undertake an extended research project on contemporary British foreign policy.


Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The module explores a range of topics designed to build on and further develop students’ existing understanding of contemporary debates in Strategic Studies and International Relations.


Brief description of teaching and learning methods:


  • This module takes a ‘blended learning’ approach, meaning that 10 hours of lectures are delivered on a weekly basis through videos and online activities via blackboard.



Students are required to:




  • work through a series of on-line teaching materials, including slides, videos, and practical activities;

  • read extensively from the suppor ting literature;

  • reflect on the module content and readings individually and through contributions;

  • complete a variety of formative on-line tests and exercises that assess knowledge of the module material;

  • complete summative assignments on various aspects of the module.


Contact hours:
Ìý Autumn Spring Summer
Seminars 10
Guided independent study: Ìý Ìý Ìý
Ìý Ìý Wider reading (independent) 50
Ìý Ìý Wider reading (directed) 30
Ìý Ìý Advance preparation for classes 30
Ìý Ìý Preparation for seminars 20
Ìý Ìý Essay preparation 40
Ìý Ìý Reflection 20
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
Total hours by term 0 0
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
Total hours for module 200

Summative Assessment Methods:
Method Percentage
Written assignment including essay 50
Report 50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

There is no examination for this module.


Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There are two written assignments for this module, as follows:




  • An essay of 3,500 which will account for 50% of the overall module mark.

  • A report of 2,500 words which will account for 50% of the overall module mark.


Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%


Reassessment arrangements:

If a student fails the year and is permitted to resit this module, coursework which already bears a confirmed mark of 50% or more will be carried forward.



Students will be requested to resubmit coursework by a stipulated deadline in August of the same year.


Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.

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