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International Relations Theory and Planet Politics - POL00071I

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  • Department: Politics and International Relations
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

The module engages with the key theories and concepts in International Relations theory, starting from contemporary problems, such as the climate emergency, poverty, pandemics and war among others. The module explores the extent to which planetary-level crises impact upon traditional theoretical and conceptual approaches to ‘the international’.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module aims to equip students with a detailed knowledge of the main theoretical approaches in the discipline of International Relations (IR). Key theories and concepts will be approached from the standpoint of some of the most pressing international issues and problems. The module will emphasize the importance of theory for a sound understanding of these problems. The module will apply a planetary-level approach to these problems, exploring how they question some of the long-standing tenets of IR theory - namely sovereignty, the state, security and power.

Module learning outcomes

On completing the module a student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the origins, evolution and contemporary accounts of the main theoretical approaches in the discipline of International Relations (PLO1)

  • Apply with minimum guidance International Relations theories to analyse international political problems, using critical reasoning to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses (PLO2)

  • Understand how planetary-level crises and contemporary issues question traditional concepts and theoretical approaches in the discipline of International Relations (PLO2)

  • Conduct research in International Relations with minimum guidance by formulating relevant research questions, explaining the application of theories and concepts to relevant international problems, and justifying their conclusions (PLO3)

  • Engage in problem-solving work with minimum by addressing contemporary international and global issues through the creative application of relevant theoretical and practical perspectives, and the analysis of empirical data in formative and summative coursework (PLO4)

  • Communicate arguments and detailed ideas effectively and fluently in written and oral form, adhering to established academic conventions in the discipline of International Relations (PLO5).

  • Demonstrate intercultural awareness through reflecting on the ways in which different theoretical approaches to International Relations have wider social and environmental implications (PLO6).

  • Apply perspectives from International Relations with minimal guidance to address local, national, and global challenges (PLO7)

Module content

Likely structure will involve:

  1. The problem of theory

  2. The problem of (in)security

  3. The problem of the state

  4. The problem of reality

  5. The problem of time

  6. The problem of colonialism

  7. The problem of inequality

  8. The problem of patriarchy

  9. The problem of emotion

  10. The problem of the Anthropocene

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s feedback and guidance hours.

Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than 25 working days; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s regular feedback and guidance hours.

Indicative reading

Global Politics: A New Introduction, 3rd edition (edited by Jenny Edkins and Maja Zehfuss)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.