University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: To be confirmed

This module examines how political leaders change over time, as they govern states and other key actors in international relations. The module focuses on a particular, negative type of change in leaders, examining how they may become insular in their decision-making, authoritarian, and overconfident – how they ‘break bad’ over time -- and the implications of these changes for foreign policies and domestic politics. The module explores non-leader explanations for these changes but concentrates on leader personality perspectives, such as leader aging and learning. The course also examines policies designed to address consequences such as democratic backsliding and failed foreign policies. Although the focus is on research and theories of changes in leaders, several examples of real-world leaders and policies are included in the module content. This module is delivered in a discussion-style seminar format.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass IR2006

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 seminar (X10/11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 28

Guided independent study hours: 286

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor J B Kaarbo
Module teaching staff: Prof Juliet Kaarbo
Module coordinator email Kaarbo@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Understand the different ways how and why leaders change over their rule and the potential consequences for domestic politics and international relations.
• Master interdisciplinary and theoretical foundations with which to understand, explain, and address changes in foreign policies and politics.
• Better critically assess and evaluate research and apply research concepts to empirical phenomena.
• Appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of an agent approach to studying social phenomena.