University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 7

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: 10.00 am Tue, Wed, Thu

This module looks at the way states make foreign policy and engage in diplomacy to implement foreign policy. The module introduces some of the theories used to explain and understand foreign policy and diplomacy, the role of institutions, culture and society in the production and execution of foreign policy, and then presents a series of case studies demonstrating foreign policy and diplomacy drawing on historical and contemporary contexts.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass IR1005

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 3 x 1-hour lectures (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), 1 consultation hour with Tutor (x 10 weeks) and 2 consultation hours with Year Coordinator (x 12 weeks). 4 hours of exam feedback are given in week 1 of the following semester.

Scheduled learning hours: 77

Guided independent study hours: 123

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 50% written exam, 50% coursework

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: 100% written exam

Intended learning outcomes

• Acquire an understanding of how political institutions, systems and decisions vary in terms of international comparisons;
• Acquire understanding of how these factors in particular create the priorities, and methods of the conduct of foreign policy, and again comparisons between different states;
• Acquire an understanding of theories of foreign policy analysis, at the three basic levels of analysis: individual, state and international system;
• Acquire an appreciation of current debates in foreign policy theory and analysis, with particular reference to state security;
• Acquire a comparative knowledge of contemporary foreign policy making in a selection of country cases.