module specification

This module aims to:
1. Provide a detailed account of the development of the Cold War and post-Cold War international systems at global, regional and sub-national levels;
2. Introduce students to key concepts related to diplomacy, peace and conflict;
3. Examine the role of diplomatic institutions and peace processes in attempts to contain or resolve violent conflicts;
4. Encourage the development of the skills of comparative analysis, by comparing conflicts in different regions;
5. Develop and encourage confidence in the use of appropriate analytical, written and oral skills.

Introduction to the key concepts of conflict, diplomacy and peace; the origins, nature and development of the Cold War and post-Cold War international systems; regional conflict dynamics in Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. LO1,LO2,LO3

Each week teaching will consist of a two-hour combined lecture and workshop and 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 seminars will involve small group discussions, debates and group work.

A key aspect of the learning and teaching strategy is the use of reflective ‘backward glance’ sessions every five or six weeks, in which the lectures, workshops and seminars are devoted to case studies, problem-based exercises and applying models to new situations, to consolidate students’ understanding of the subjects of the preceding five or six weeks.

A number of the lectures, workshops and seminars will focus on developing students study skills and employability. In particular, the module will cover: how to analyse texts, essay writing, the nature of plagiarism and how to avoid it, the support provided by the Careers Service when searching for placements and paid employment, and how to make the most of one’s time at university in terms of personal and career development. These dimensions will be developed in relation to the subject matter of the module, for example, by examining specimen essays on the subjects covered by this module.

The module makes extensive use of blended learning, primarily through full use of the dedicated BlackBoard site for the module, including the posting of lecture PowerPoint slides, full reading lists with hyperlinks, scanned copies of key texts not otherwise electronically available, and video and audio materials recorded by the tutor.

Reflective learning will be encouraged in particular through the consolidation weeks, practical activities and the regular interactive lectures, some workshop activities and seminar discussions. Students will be encouraged to attend all classes, to engage in seminar discussions, to prepare in advance by attempting assigned readings, to complete coursework ahead of deadlines, and to reflect on their feedback once it has been marked.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1.  Demonstrate a historical, conceptual and comparative understanding of global, regional and sub-national conflicts and attempts at peace since 1945;
2. Compare and contrast the Cold War and post-Cold War international systems and understand theoretical debates concerning the changing nature of conflict;
3. Apply their resulting analytical expertise to write and comment on the subject of conflict, diplomacy and peace.

A first formative piece of work in the form of a 500 word briefing paper on one of the set essay questions. This will form the basis for the summative assessment – the Essay – detailed below.

Identify core and additional reading
Liaise with Library Services to confirm availability of on-line licenses in academic year

Where possible, the most current version of reading materials is used during the delivery of this module.  Comprehensive reading lists are provided to students in their handbooks.  Reading Lists will be updated annually.

Books

• Buzan, B. and O. Waever (2003) Regions and Powers: The Structure of International Security. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
• Calvocoressi, P. (2008) World Politics since 1945, 9th edition. London: Longman
• Clapham, C. (1997) Africa and the International System. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
• Dinan, D. (2010) Ever Closer Union: An Introduction to European Integration, 4th edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
• Gaddis, J. L. (2005) The Cold War. London: Allen Lane/Penguin
• Kaldor, M. (2012) New and Old Wars: Organized Violence in a Global Era, 3rd edition. Camridge: Polity
• Karsh, E. (1997) ’Cold War, Post-Cold War: Does it Make a Difference for the Middle East?’ Review of International Studies, Vol. 23, No. 3
• Leguey-Feilleux, J-R. (2008) The Dynamics of Diplomacy. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner
• Mazower, M. (2009), Dark Continent: Europe’s Twentieth Century, London: Penguin
• McWilliams, W. C. and H. Piotrowski (2009) The World Since 1945: A History of International Relations, 7th edition. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner – CORE TEXT
• Shaikh, F. (2002) ‘Pakistan’s Nuclear Bomb: Beyond the Non-Proliferation Regime.’ International Affairs, Vol.78, No. 1
• Shlaim, A. (2000) The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World. London: Penguin
• Westad, A. O. (2005) The Global Cold War. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
• Woods, N. (ed.) (1996) Explaining International Relations Since 1945. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Websites

• Cold War Museum: www.coldwar.org/
• Flashpoints: Guide to World Conflicts: www.flashpoints.info/Flashpoints/FlashPoints_home.html
• Global Policy Forum: www.globalpolicy.org/