Politics, International Relations, and History

This module introduces students to the methodology and practice of comparative politics. It does so by engaging in a systematic examination of some of the main issues, both thematic and methodological, involved in the study of comparative political systems today, and then by applying the insights gained to leading political systems. The module builds on knowledge gained in What is Politics?  to further explore the structures of governments, the variations in state organisation, governmental forms and party systems. It will examine the main elements of the modern democratic state in a comparative manner, stressing both the commonalities and differences between systems around the world.   

In this module students will examine how modern Latin America was forged through European invasion and colonization, indigenous resistance and African slavery, and the famous Wars of Liberation. Progressing through the 19^th and 20^th centuries they will examine how power has been challenged and changed hands up to the present day through popular uprisings, military coups, and political transformations.

The module begins with the experiences and voices of the indigenous people, followed by a longue durée analysis of the impact of the horrors of slavery. This leads into a wider examination of the context of Iberian, British and American colonialism, and how indigenous experiences of contact with European peoples changed across time and space. Through this module students will gain expertise in how European colonialism and institutions such as the Roman Catholic Church and European monarchies have shaped South America and the wider Global South. The module also considers how indigenous, indentured, and slave communities continued sustain violent and non-violent strategies of resistance, firstly, against different forms of authoritarianism,  and, secondly, against extractive processes, linked to global capitalism (and liberalism), which have fundamentally altered ecologies and landscapes. The module also engages with the impact and reframing of global political movements within the continent. These range from the incubation and adaption of various strands of fascism, to Latin America’s critical role in sustaining various international communist movements.

The module has contemporary relevance.  Students will familiarize themselves with thinkers, writers, and political figures whose ideas shaped the globe, from Castro and Che Guevera to Garcia Marquez and Borges, and will thus engage with ideas which shape the world of today. Students consider the long-lasting impact of a violent history of revolutions, coups, and warfare across the continent, and the influence of USA upon Latin American politics, extending to the rise of Jair Bolsonaro and Javier Milei in Brazil and Argentina respectively. Through this module students will gain an understanding of the complex history of Latin America, and the role the continent continues to play in world affairs today. 

At level 4 students will in ‘Political Concepts. Ideas in Context’ power, democracy and freedom and hence will be able to apply these models to a Latin American context. The module also had cross-overs with its companion level 5 module, the Politics of Partition. Britain, Ireland and the Middle East’, and to the level 6 module on ‘Boling Points. Crisis and Conflict in the Cold War’.

The purpose of this module is to teach you about carrying out social research. It is designed to introduce you to the processes involved in research design and their application to the social sciences, in particular sociology, criminology, digital forensics, policing, politics, and international relations. It is a practical module, during which you will conduct empirical research, consider ethical issues, and write a research proposal. We will examine the theoretical, ethical, and practical dimensions of the research process and will look at a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies for collecting and analysing social scientific data.

By the end of the module, you will be competent in carrying out criminological, policing, and/or sociological research. You will also develop a range of transferable skills including quantitative and qualitative data analysis and using software such as SPSS. 

This module examines the origins of contentious the political and ethnic divides in Ireland and the Middle East which continue to shape world affairs. Comparing these regions through the lens of Britain’s changing role, you will also develop an understanding of how conflict overseas impacted British politics and culture domestically. 

Beginning with the Irish War of Independence, the Anglo-Irish Treaty, and the ensuing Irish Civil War, you will examine how partition of the island of Ireland into Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State reflected both historic divisions between Nationalist and Unionist communities and contemporary political manoeuvring in the corridors of power. You will have the opportunity to contrast the experiences of people in post-conflict Ireland in 1923 with the inhabitants of the newly established British Mandatory Palestine, and the issues faced by its communities over the subsequent decades. Exploring the impact of population transfers, religious and political extremism, the Second World War and the Arab-Israeli War and First Nakba, you will gain new insights into a relatively familiar period of the 20th century. Examining writings and other cultural production from sources as varied as IRA guerillas, Jewish migrants who undertook the Third Aliyah, the female organisers of Arab Women’s Congress, and British soldiers who served in both Ireland and Mandatory Palestine, you will engage with a range of perspectives. Reading music, poetry, and philosophy produced by those experiencing political changes will afford you a glimpse into how societies in transition coped with turbulent historical circumstances and the varied roles played by the British government and people in shaping them. As they consider historical attempts at resolving these conflicts, such as the Sunningdale Agreement and the Camp David Accords, you will reflect on the complexities of meditating between different communities, as well as on the continued relevance of such processes in pursuit of peace into the present day. 

This level 5 autumn module will enable you to deploy their understanding of themes such as citizenship, democracy and nationhood explored in the previous year’s level 4 smodule ‘Political Concepts’ in a relevant historical context.  Engagement with the history of civil rights, especially in the USA in the late 20^th century developed in level 4, is also built upon by examining the specific contexts of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights movement and the struggle for a two-state solution in Israel-Palestine. You will extend their understandings of debates over fundamental rights to new geographical and historical contexts. Specific and detailed engagement with the Troubles, and Irish history more broadly in the 20^th century, will expand on familiarity acquired during Week 9 of Level 4 module Britain from Blitz to Brexit addressing the Troubles up to the Good Friday Agreement, affording you earlier historical context and a more nuanced understanding of the global scope of the conflict. The module makes connections with international solidarity efforts between various self-identified ‘liberation struggles’ in the complimentary level 5 on ‘Revolutions and Authoritarianism in Modern Latin America’, and particularly the example provided by the Cuban Revolution to Irish and Palestinian revolutionaries. This will acquaint you with a key aspect of the level 5 module ‘Revolutions and Authoritarianism in Latin America’. The module also lays the groundwork for level 6 modules ‘Boiling Points. Crisis and Conflict in the Cold War” and ‘After Auschwitz: Representing the Holocaust’: in the former case by exploring a key Cold War ‘boiling points’ such as the Suez Crisis and the Arab-Israeli Wars, in the latter case by directly addressing the role of the Holocaust in the birth of the Israeli state and the subsequent historiography and legacy of the Shoah in Israel.

In this module you will design and lead an independent research project on a subject of your own choice, drawing on your knowledge related to your subject of study and of research methodology and ethics. You will have a choice of conducting either an empirical research study where you will be collecting primary quantitative or qualitative data, engage in a theoretical library-based investigation, or produce a research-based report for stakeholders, such as for an employer or community organisations.

The module will also include in-class taught sessions during the first five weeks of the term, to provide you with general advice and support. In the first weeks of the term, you will be assigned to an academic member of staff who will provide you with advice and support during the whole project.

The study of politics fundamentally explores power and hegemony. Historically, these dynamics have been concentrated in the Global North, though emerging powers are increasingly asserting their influence in global politics. The current world order is in a state of flux, hovering between a potential return to traditional Great Power politics and the emergence of a multipolar order. Countries like the U.S. and the European bloc are prioritizing their sovereign needs while responding to pressures from actors such as Russia and Israel.

Geopolitics specifically examines how states, regions, and organizations leverage their geography to acquire and wield global power. This module will explore the relationship between geography, politics, and power, examining how power is asserted and contested across different spaces, with a focus on both the Global North and Global South. We will analyse key concepts in geopolitics, critical geopolitics, and the interplay of foreign and economic policy from global and regional perspectives. Topics covered include theories of power, interstate competition and cooperation, territorial disputes, and the rise of new global actors.

On this module, you will engage in debates on contemporary geopolitical issues, ranging from the development of new technologies and the growing influence of multinational corporations to political instability and climate change, to understand how power manifests in real-world scenarios. Through various case studies, we will trace the evolution of geopolitical ideas and ideologies that continually reshape political spaces. Ultimately, you will learn to deconstruct geopolitical narratives and formulate your own arguments on the nature of the current World Order and its potential future.

This Global Connections module questions how we remember and represent the Holocaust. We explore the history of the Nazi genocide and its depiction within contemporary culture (including films, video games and art), and consider how the Holocaust continues to provoke emotive debates regarding memorialisation, educational policies and modern-day ‘dark tourism’. 

Democracy and justice are foundational concepts, but their meaning, value, and interplay are profoundly complex. While many nations in the Global North champion liberal democratic principles with their emphasis on representation and rights, this module challenges you to consider how democracy is experienced across states and if it genuinely serves as a prerequisite for peace. Building on your understanding from Applied Political Theory and Comparative Politics, we will rigorously analyse the relationship between democratic principles and the quest for justice. You'll compare liberal democracies with non-democratic regimes, exploring the diverse struggles towards a more just society. We will examine the relationship between democracy and legitimate authority and consider whether human rights can only be fully respected in states that facilitate political equality through democratic representation.

Crucially, this module confronts how different communities experience justice. We will explore the vital concept of intersectionality, examining how factors like race, gender, sexuality, religion, and class shape access to justice, or the lack thereof, within and beyond liberal democracies. We'll also investigate the role of the state, civil society, and various institutions in upholding or undermining justice, with specific attention to how corruption, accountability, and participation can impact democratic outcomes. You'll engage with pressing contemporary challenges such as populism and democratic backsliding, and consider the evolving landscape of digital democracy and technology. This class encourages lively debate, critical questioning, and thoughtful contemplation of complex political controversies and dilemmas. By the module's end, you'll have a nuanced understanding of conflicts, rights, and justice, along with a clear perspective on the contemporary challenges, gaps, and future of democracy and justice.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and Learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

This module supports a broad exploration of crime and law and its integration within society across various sources, which includes diverse cultural, social, and political representations. By analysing a wide range of topics, you are encouraged to critically engage with how disability, gender and race are represented and viewed in relation to crime and law.

This course integrates sustainability by looking at the sustainability of social interactions and your results and consequences in relation to crime and law. Social responsibility, legal injustice across the globe and inequality are all featured. Social Responsibility is embedded through topics such as social identity, prejudice and exclusion. Social Cognitive Theory and Rational Choice Theory helps you understand challenges and question accountability for individuals and communities.

This course fosters global engagement by examining the inequalities experienced in other cultures, particularly in relation to race, gender and exclusion. Global challenges are addressed at every step equipping you with the skills to navigate a globalised world in a variety of ways. By analysing data and text concerning diverse cultures and contexts, you will develop an understanding of how individuals and cultures operate amongst injustices in a globalised world, preparing you to engage thoughtfully with diverse audiences.

Teaching and learning

Through lectures, workshops, group work, and structured academic writing, you will have the opportunity to practice the core academic skills needed for your future studies. Critical thinking will be developed through tasks such as text analysis, group discussions, and the ability to create well-structured academic assignments, including essays and presentations.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour workshop per week. You will get a diverse learning experience through case studies and active learning workshops and microteaches.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week, consisting of activities to develop your presentation skills and to provide you with opportunities to explore wider policy implementation in diverse/comparative transnational examples.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a video presentation and summative essay.

30% - video presentation, working in groups, you will produce a video on a topic taught on the curriculum and explain its impact on UK society, using a real-world example.

70% - summative essay, you will identify an issue, either historical or contemporary, that has had an impact on UK society and connect it to at least one of the key topics covered in the course.

30 credits

This module supports a broad exploration of social understanding across various sources, which includes diverse cultural, social, and political representations. By analysing a wide range of topics, you are encouraged to critically engage with how disability, gender and race are represented and viewed. This ensures that your projects and research can reflect a variation of perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and holistic learning environment.

This course integrates sustainability by looking at the sustainability of social interactions and your results and consequences. Social responsibility, globalisation and inequality are all featured. Social Responsibility is embedded through topics such as social identity, prejudice and exclusion. Social Cognitive Theory and Rational Choice Theory help you understand challenges and question accountability for individuals and communities.

This course fosters global engagement by examining the inequalities experienced in other cultures, particularly in relation to race, gender and class. Global challenges are addressed at every step, equipping you to navigate a globalised world in a variety of ways. By analysing data and text concerning diverse cultures and contexts, you develop an understanding of how individuals and cultures operate in a globalised world, preparing you to engage thoughtfully with diverse audiences.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week. Lecturers will cover core indicative content, while seminars will consist of research workshops, as well as forming small groups and learning on relevant case studies.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week, consisting of activities to develop your presentation skills and to provide you with opportunities to explore wider policy implementation in diverse/comparative transnational examples.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using an academic poster and a summative essay.

40% - academic poster, you will design a poster that provides key information and sociological analysis of your selected story or issue chosen from key weekly topics.

60% - summative essay, you will conduct a sociological analysis of a story or issue you have encountered in the media.