GI4059 - After Empire: Regions and Powers in World Politics (2023/24)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2023/24 | ||||||||||
| Module title | After Empire: Regions and Powers in World Politics | ||||||||||
| Module level | Certificate (04) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2023/24(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
In historical perspective, the period since the end of World War II is very distinctive. Following the process of decolonisation, nearly every person in the world today resides in a sovereign state, in contrast to previous eras when different forms of political community coexisted. However, despite the uniformity of contemporary world politics, there are great variations across different regions, especially regarding the nature and dynamics of peace and conflict.
On this module you will explore the process of the dissolution of the European empires and examine the security dynamics left in their wake, focusing on the period since 1945. Through the study of key regions of the world, such as the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and South Asia, you will learn about the patterns of conflict which have emerged and how they have evolved, as well as identifying the key differences between security dynamics across the regions, concerning regional powers and the involvement of the global powers. You will also learn about the legacies of empire among the former imperial powers of Europe, which have come to form one of the more peaceful regions in the world.
Prior learning requirements
None. Available for Study Abroad.
Syllabus
The module examines the breakdown of the former European empires and the patterns of conflict which they left in their wake across the world (LO1, 2). This will be followed by the exploration of the origin, nature and evolution of the security dynamics of various regions, such as the Middle East, South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and Europe (LO2, 3).
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Each week teaching will consist of a two-hour combined lecture and workshop followed by a one-hour seminar. Each lecture/workshop will comprise an interactive lecture followed by an activity undertaken by small groups, with the result of these activities fed back in a plenary session towards the end of the session. The seminars will involve small group discussions, debates and group work. Reflective and independent learning will be encouraged through the regular interactive lectures, workshops and seminar discussions.
The module makes extensive use of blended learning, with full use of the dedicated Weblearn site for the module and the online Reading List.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Understand the process of decolonisation following the end of the Second World War and its impact on world politics.
2. Explain the emergence and evolution of security dynamics in different regions of the world.
3. Compare and contrast the nature and sources of peace and conflict across various regions of the international system.
Assessment strategy
The module is assessed by a 2000-word portfolio, comprising short answers to three seminar discussion questions. Students will be able to develop their ideas and arguments for each answer in class discussions and will receive formative feedback (‘feedforward’) on their first draft answer during the semester, to help them improve their final submission.