GI5052 - The New Diplomacy (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||
| Module title | The New Diplomacy | ||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||
| 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 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
On this module you will explore the practice of modern diplomacy. You will explore the main challenges posed to diplomatic practice by global change in recent decades: the rise of inclusive multilateral diplomacy in the UN and other fora; the increasing importance of non-state actors in contemporary diplomacy; the impact of faster air travel enabling leaders to conduct their own diplomacy; the revolution in information and communications technology; and innovations in diplomatic institutions (such as the emergence of the European External Action Service).
A key theme running through the module is the evolving nature of international negotiation, which will be illustrated through detailed case studies of environmental and trade diplomacy.
This is a highly practical module. You will have opportunities to develop your abilities to blog and use social media, engage in a simulated negotiation and interact with practitioners through visits to relevant institutions and/or practitioner classes.
Prior learning requirements
None. Available for Study Abroad
Syllabus
We will explore new developments in diplomatic practice, as it grapples with contemporary global problems such as climate change (LO1). In particular, the module explores the impact of the revolution in information and communications technology, the rise of multilateral diplomacy, public and cultural diplomacy, the diplomacy of non-state actors, and the changing nature of international negotiation (LO2, 3).
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Most weeks 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 and an activity undertaken by small groups, with the result of these activities fed back in a plenary session towards the end of the two-hour session. The seminar will involve small group discussions, debates and group work. Other weeks all or some of the three-hour sessions will be devoted to a single activity, including a simulation exploring the nature of negotiation and practical strategies that can be employed.
The module makes extensive use of blended learning, including: reflective writing on publicly accessible blogs throughout the module, with the requirement that you comment on each other’s postings; the use of social media to share information and explore its diplomatic uses; and full use of the dedicated Weblearn site for the module.
Reflective learning will be encouraged through blogging, practical activities and the regular interactive lectures, workshop activities and seminar discussions.
Although it is concerned with the academic study of diplomacy, this is a very practically-oriented module which provides you with a range of opportunities to enhance your employability. They include: interaction with serving and/or former practitioners through visits to embassies and other institutions in London and/or guest lecturers; practical experience of negotiation through a simulated negotiation; the enhancement of your writing skills through publicly accessible reflective blogging throughout the module; and the development of your understanding of the professional uses of social media.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of diplomacy in world politics and explain the changing nature of diplomatic institutions and processes.
2. Analyse the relationships between states and non-state actors in explaining outcomes in contemporary international relations.
3. Apply your resulting analytical expertise to write and comment with authority on the subject of diplomacy in contemporary world politics.
Assessment strategy
This module is assessed by a 3000-word portfolio comprising your reflections on the main themes of the module compiled over the course of the semester, primarily through a number of blog posts on the key themes of the module, but also a comparative analysis of social media use by diplomats or embassies.
Over the course of the semester, you will post the first drafts of your portfolio entries on a publicly accessible group blog. This allows the tutor to ensure that you are engaging with the module and learning throughout the semester, as well as enabling the tutor and other students to comment on your work in progress, so formative assessment and feedback will take place across the module.