2017/8 - PPLI4056A GLOBAL POLITICS 1
Autumn Semester, Level 4 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Simon Curtis
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:E3, C4/B6/A8/D9
This module introduces students to the core theoretical approaches to understanding the
dynamics of global politics, such as Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism and Critical
Perspectives. It also introduces a number of core concepts for making sense of global politics,
including sovereignty, the balance of power, international law, security and globalization.
2017/8 - PPLI5044A INTRODUCTION TO THE EUROPEAN UNION
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Giulio Pagani
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:C2/A3,D5*D6/D2*A3
This module examines the development, structure, nature and functions of the European
Union and looks at the history and theories of European integration from the 1940s to the
present day. The module concentrates on the institutions and processes which run the EU,
demystifies its main policies, examines critically the role of the Euro, and assesses the
positions of the member-states on the EU's constantly developing agenda. The significance of
the European Union in relationship to the rest of the world, its democratic credentials and its
importance for understanding politics and governance are also considered. This module is
recommended for those students who intend to progress to the European Studies with
Brussels Internship’ module in Year 3
2017/8 - PPLI5045A INTERNATIONAL POLITICS SINCE 1945
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Ra Mason
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:C6*C3,C7/D8
This module provides a brief historical and theoretical review of the cold war. It then goes on
to look at some of the key issues of the post-cold war world. How far have international
relations changed since the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989? What are the prospects
for peace, stability and prosperity now that the ideological and military struggle between the
USSR and the USA is over? Has international terrorism replaced communism as the main
threat to the West?
2017/8 - PPLI5057A INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION AND GLOBAL
GOVERNANCE
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Vassiliki Koutrakou
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:A4, A5/A6
‘International Organisations’ (Ios) is a term which refers to organisations whose members
comprise the representatives of nation states. Few areas of international relations and politics
remain unregulated by such international organisations and/or by international norms. We
examine several ‘grand’ dilemmas facing humanity (security, welfare, environmental) and the
forms of international governance set up to address those dilemmas. We ask why sovereign
nation-states form, join and usually comply with the rules and the factors which determine
the design and evolution of Ios. We also consider how Ios and member states interact with
international non-governmental organisations (iNGOs), and the impact of the latter on
domestic public policy. In particular, we examine the UN, NATO, European Union, and
international financial institutions, the emergence of potential alternatives to these mainly
western-centric organisations and we bring together a critical evaluation of the main theories
which seek to explain international cooperation with an examination of contemporary issues
in these public policy fields. Finally, we consider whether international organisation (the
latter singular) amounts to an effective form of global governance to the extent that it at least
mitigates anarchy in the international system.
2017/8 - PPLI5059A INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Adriana Sinclair
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:C8,A1/A2/A4/A6/A7/E2
This module will give students an essential grounding in International Relations theory,
encompassing both the foundational theories of realism and liberalism, and contemporary
debates about hegemony, neo-imperialism and post-positivism. The module is structured
around the positivist/post-positivist divide and starts with classical realism and neo-realism,
and liberalism and neo-liberalism. It then explores the English School and constructivism
before turning to more critical theories like post-colonialism, feminism and gender studies,
and postmodernism.
2017/8 - PPLI6039A SHIFTING POWERS AFRICA IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 30
Organiser: Dr Elizabeth Cobbett
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:C3,D5*D6/D7*D8
Surveying the relationship between the world’s major powers and Africa, this module
examines Africa’s relation with and position within contemporary global politics. In contrast
to the conventional approach of studying how external actors impacted on Africa’s
international relations, this module seeks to open up a new approach, focusing on the impact
of African political actors within the continent and in international politics. It does this by
analysing African agency – the degree to which African political actors have room to
manoeuvre within the international system and exert influence internationally, and the uses
they make of that room for manoeuvre. The module is organised along themes (as opposed to
the logic of covering countries) which expose a range of political, social and economic
spheres of power at play in international relations. These include Rising Africa, Africa’s
cities, African women in power, African perspectives on security, Africa and the
environment, innovative and communicative Africa and Africa in the new millennium.
2017/8 - PPLI6041A ETHICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 30
Organiser: Dr Michael Frazer
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:A4,C7*C8
Exam Period:SPR-02
The aim of this module is to help students develop an understanding of how debates,
traditions and theories of ethics have applied in international relations. The module will be
broken into three main substantive areas. The first will focus on war and ethics, examining
Just War theory and its development in modern warfare and humanitarian intervention. We
will look at war and non-state actors, the use of drones and remote technology and the ethics
of peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The second substantive area explores economics, human
rights, and ethics. This will include giving attention to the role of accountability in
international development and the global neoliberal political economy. This area will also
consider the relationship between economics and human rights, critically examining the
difference between economic rights and political rights. The final substantive area is centred
around the ethics of belonging, examining authority in international relations, state
sovereignty, international legal jurisdictions, human mobility, and the ethics of border
controls. Students will gain comprehensive overview of ethical theories and concepts as they
have been used and developed in international relations scholarship and practice.
2017/8 - PPLI6069A POWER OVER THE PACIFIC: THE AMERICAN
RELATIONSHIP WITH ASIA
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 30
Organiser: Mr Andrew Patmore
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:A3*B4/C7*C8
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE PPLI6070A
This module will introduce important themes in the American relationship with East Asia, at
a time when the Pacific region has assumed great importance. There will be a particular focus
on the important historical periods in the American relationship with China and Japan. An
understanding of elements of the trajectory of these relationships will be provided by taking a
selection of historical subjects for analysis. While this will address the knowledge of history,
and of long-term themes, the latter part of the module will consider contemporary political
issues. This will require an understanding of the interaction of the United States with Asia,
and China and Japan in particular.
2017/8 - PPLI6070A POWER OVER THE PACIFIC: THE AMERICAN
RELATIONSHIP WITH ASIA
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Mr Andrew Patmore
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:A3*B4/C7*C8
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE PPLI6069A
This module will introduce important themes in the American relationship with East Asia, at
a time when the Pacific region has assumed great importance. There will be a particular focus
on the important historical periods in the American relationship with China and Japan. An
understanding of elements of the trajectory of these relationships will be provided by taking a
selection of historical subjects for analysis. While this will address the knowledge of history,
and of long-term themes, the latter part of the module will consider contemporary political
issues. This will require an understanding of the interaction of the United States with Asia,
and China and Japan in particular. This module is a 20-credit coursework-only version of
PPLI6069A POWER OVER THE PACIFIC: THE AMERICAN RELATIONSHIP WITH
ASIA and is available only to Visiting, Exchange and Non-HUM Students.
2017/8 - PPLM4054A MEDIA POWER
Autumn Semester, Level 4 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Maria Kyriakidou
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:C7*C2, C3/D4/D5/D6/A4/A5/A7
This module introduces first year students to the main theories of mass communications and
provides them with the key skills of academic reading and writing. Students will reflect on
the importance of reading for academic research and learn how to assess and discuss the
relevance and impact of milestones in mass communications theory from the nineteenth
century to the present. The module explores theoretical approaches to media content,
production, regulation and reception, including key themes such as freedom of speech, public
sphere and political economy.
2017/8 - PPLM5002A GENDER AND POWER
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Helen Warner
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:B3, E1*E2/E3*A4/A1*A2
Providing a conceptual overview of feminist research approaches, this module examines
contemporary gender and power relations. It examines both the formal and informal power
structures that shape the experience of gender. Bringing together the fields of media,
sociology, politics and cultural studies, the module explores the extent to which feminist
theory informs gender-based activism.
2017/8 - PPLM5053A DIGITAL MEDIA AND SOCIETY
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Sally Broughton Micova
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:D4,E1*E2/A6*A7
For better or worse, new digital technologies are hyped at having revolutionised society. This
module will provide students with an introduction to the ways in which the internet and other
digital technologies are (and are not) affecting society from theoretical and empirical
perspectives, and how society shapes technology. Topics covered include: the evolution of
the internet; the "network society"; regulating new media; the radical internet and terrorism;
social networking, blogs and interactivity; culture and identity in the digital age; and how the
internet affects politics and the media.
2017/8 - PPLM6037A POLITICS AND POPULAR CULTURE
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 30
Organiser: Professor John Street
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:A5*A6,A8/D9/A7
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE PPLM6038A
Popular culture links to politics in a variety of ways, some obvious, some less obvious. There
are the politicians who seek the endorsement of film stars; there are the politicians who were
film stars; and there are the rock performers who pretend that they are politicians. And then
there are the states that censor popular culture to those that sponsor it and use it as
propaganda. This module explores the many ways in which popular culture and politics are
linked. It aims to introduce students to competing theories of the politics of popular culture;
to look at how popular culture features in political communication; to explore developments
in the political economy of popular culture, especially in relation to globalisation, new media
and power within the cultural industries; to consider the main debates about the censorship of
popular culture and state subsidy of it; and to explore arguments about the value and effect of
popular culture, and about its role in personal and collective identity.
2017/8 - PPLM6038A POLITICS AND POPULAR CULTURE
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Professor John Street
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:A5*A6,A8/D9/A7
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE PPLM6037A
Popular culture links to politics in a variety of ways, some obvious, some less obvious. There
are the politicians who seek the endorsement of film stars; there are the politicians who were
film stars; and there are the rock performers who pretend that they are politicians. And then
there are the states that censor popular culture to those that sponsor it and use it as
propaganda. This module explores the many ways in which popular culture and politics are
linked. It aims to introduce students to competing theories of the politics of popular culture;
to look at how popular culture features in political communication; to explore developments
in the political economy of popular culture, especially in relation to globalisation, new media
and power within the cultural industries; to consider the main debates about the censorship of
popular culture and state subsidy of it; and to explore arguments about the value and effect of
popular culture, and about its role in personal and collective identity. This module is a 20
credit version of PPLM6037A Politics and Popular Culture. THIS 20 CREDIT VERSION IS
ONLY AVAILABLE TO VISITING, EXCHANGE, AND NON-HUM STUDENTS.
2017/8 - PPLM6043A INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 30
Organiser: Dr Maria Kyriakidou
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework and Project
Timetable Slot:E2*E3, A4/A5
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE PPLM6097A
Students are advised that they should ideally have previously taken a media-related module
before choosing this one. This module explores media and communication at the international
level and focuses on the major issues in international communication within the
contemporary global society. Combining theory and empirical case studies, it explores how
the media address regional and global issues beyond the nation-state, global media
infrastructure, international flow of information, global news production, public diplomacy,
and the coverage of international crises. By successfully completing this module, students
will be able to understand the role of media and communication in global society and
critically evaluate the process of international communication in the political, social and
cultural aspects of contemporary world.
2017/8 - PPLM6097A INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Maria Kyriakidou
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework and Project
Timetable Slot:E1*E2, A4/A5
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE PPLM6043A
Students are advised that they should ideally have previously taken a media-related module
before choosing this one. This module explores media and communication at the international
level and focuses on the major issues in international communication within the
contemporary global society. Combining theory and empirical case studies, it explores how
the media address regional and global issues beyond the nation-state, global media
infrastructure, international flow of information, global news production, public diplomacy,
and the coverage of international crises. By successfully completing this module, students
will be able to understand the role of media and communication in global society and
critically evaluate the process of international communication in the political, social and
cultural aspects of contemporary world. This module is a 20 credit version of PPLM6043A:
International Communication. THIS 20 CREDIT VERSION IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO
VISITING, EXCHANGE AND NON-HUM STUDENTS. Students are advised that they
should ideally have previously taken a media-related module before choosing this one.
2017/8 - PPLX4051A SOCIAL AND POLITICAL THEORY
Autumn Semester, Level 4 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Michael Frazer
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:E4*C6,D1/D2/B4/E1/E2/E3/A4/A5/A6
This module explores the ways in which a variety of thinkers have sought to understand
modern society, culture and politics. You will learn to grapple with fascinating and
challenging theories of contemporary life by reading the work of writers such as Rousseau
and Kant, Marx and Weber, Freud and Foucault. Is modern life shaped by capitalism or
bureaucracy? Are we freer than ever before, or slaves to the market and the state? Are we
truly individuals or does society shape our identity? What is power and who has it? These are
the kinds of question you will debate in class as you learn to think deeply about what drives
the world today.
2017/8 - PPLX4052A INTRODUCTION TO CONTEMPORARY POLITICS
Autumn Semester, Level 4 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Michael Gough
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:D2*B5, C7*C8/B7*B8/A1*A2/D3*C4/B1*B2
This module introduces students to some of the key contemporary debates and issues in the
disciplines of Politics and International Relations. The central theme of the module is liberal
democracy, its nature, scope and potential strengths and weaknesses. We consider forces
which have had an impact upon western liberal democracy – such as globalisation and the
media – and examine case studies which illustrate the success and failure of liberal
democracy in practice. The case studies change from year to year, but currently include
Weimar Germany, Northern Ireland, Britain and the Middle East, and the US.
2017/8 - PPLX5047A METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Eitan Tzelgov
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:E3/A5/A6/B6, A7*A8/B7*B8/D3*C4
Students acquire knowledge of the theory and practice of a range of quantitative and
qualitative research methods. A variety of skills can be acquired - interviewing, observation,
focus groups, taking fieldwork notes, computerised data analysis, report writing, etc.
Assessment is via two individual research reports, one quantitative and one qualitative, the
data being either provided to students or collected by them as part of a collaborative piece of
primary research. This module is compulsory for students taking degrees in Politics and
Society, Culture and Media.
2017/8 - PPLX5048A TOPICS IN BRITISH POLITICS
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Toby James
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:A4,A2/A5
British politics is in turbulent times. The victory of the 'Leave' campaign in the EU
referendum has left Britain's position in the world uncertain, the party system in flux and the
constitutional relationship between its nations unstable. Nationalist parties are on the rise, the
constitution is in crisis and the effects of austerity politics continues. We examine
contemporary events and themes by examining in depth three or four topics which vary on an
annual basis according to developments. Recently these have included: power in Britain,
British Prime Ministers, the British constitution, elections in Britain, political ideologies.
2017/8 - PPLX5064A WESTERN POLITICAL THOUGHT
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Michael Gough
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:D1*B4, A3
This level 5 module examines in depth the works of selected thinkers who are seminal to the
Western tradition of political thought, including Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill and
Machiavelli. Their work will also be compared thematically, with a focus on themes such as
the natural law and social contract traditions, and other schools of thought which have been
influenced by these traditions.The module will be based on the study and interpretation of
key texts and will enable students to develop skills of textual analysis and critique. It will also
provide some of the historical background necessary to study more contemporary political
theory at level 6, as well as building substantially on some of the political theories
encountered on Social and Political Theory at level 4.
2017/8 - PPLX5160A BUILDING BLOCKS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Dr Peter Handley
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:C1, C6/C7/C8/C2/C3/D4
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the key theoretical issues and debates that
underpin the discipline of political science so that students understand the main
methodological and ideological approaches to political science. It will also be of relevance to
international relations students. The module will provide important foundations for the
remainder of the politics major degree. It will be one of two compulsory modules for single
honours Politics students. The first part of the module will focus on understanding basic
political concepts (‘building blocks’) such as a rational choice, culture, and institutions, and
critically examine these concepts and their application, linking to key empirical debates in
political science about power, representation, accountability and policy making in western
democracies. The second part focuses on meta-theoretical concerns such as how to compare
political phenomena and systems, ideas and material explanation, structure and agency,
epistemology and ontology.
2017/8 - PPLX5164A POLITICS IN THE USA
Autumn Semester, Level 5 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Mr Andrew Patmore
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:D4, D6/D7/D8
Virtually alone among the world's modern democratic nations, the US does not have
parliamentary government. This module is an introduction to the American system, in which
power is divided between state and federal authorities, and further among legislative,
executive and judicial branches. Does this open-textured system encourage democratic
participation? Has it become so chaotic that sound policy making is discouraged?
2017/8 - PPLX6041A BETTER WORLDS? UTOPIAS AND DYSTOPIAS
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 30
Organiser: Mr Bob Stillwell
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:E4,C7*C8/C5*C6
Exam Period:SPR-02
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE PPLX6066A
Would an ideal society have no more crime? Who would be wealthy? Would politics be
outlawed? Do utopians wish to impose their views on the rest of us? This module explores
questions such as these, which are central to political and social theory, through the prism of
selected utopian and dystopian novels and other utopian texts ranging from Thomas More’s
Utopia (1516) to the present. It focuses on themes such as property, social control, gender,
work, the environment and politics. A major question which the module addresses is the
political significance and effects of utopian ideas – often derided as frivolous or impractical
in their own time - and the historical role of utopian ideas in political theory and social
reform.
2017/8 - PPLX6066A BETTER WORLDS? UTOPIAS AND DYSTOPIAS
Autumn Semester, Level 6 module
(Maximum 999 Students)
UCU: 20
Organiser: Mr Bob Stillwell
MODULE - 40% PASS ON AGGREGATE
Module Type: Coursework
Timetable Slot:E4,C7/C8
Exam Period:SPR-02
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE PPLX6041A
Would an ideal society have no more crime? Who would be wealthy? Would politics be
outlawed? Do utopians wish to impose their views on the rest of us? This module explores
questions such as these, which are central to political and social theory, through the prism of
selected utopian and dystopian novels and other utopian texts ranging from Thomas More’s
Utopia (1516) to the present. It focuses on themes such as property, social control, gender,
work, the environment and politics. A major question which the module addresses is the
political significance and effects of utopian ideas – often derided as frivolous or impractical
in their own time - and the historical role of utopian ideas in political theory and social
reform. This module is a 20-credit version of PPLX6041A Better Worlds? Utopias and
Dystopias. THIS 20 CREDIT VERSION IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO VISITING,
EXCHANGE AND NON-HUM STUDENTS.