University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Thurs 11-1pm or Thurs 2-4pm

This module is designed to place the United Nations in the broader perspective of contemporary international relations and to guide students towards an understanding of both the impact and the limitations of the UN in the post-1945 international system. The module considers the possible locations of the United Nations in the relevant theories of international behaviour (realism, liberalism etc.). In doing so, it explores the crucial interplay between state-level national interests and multilateral cooperation through global organisation, and the extent to which the United Nations can be considered a supranational as opposed to a strictly inter-governmental organisation. In pursuit of this the module explores the range of UN activities covering international law, development, the environment and global security.

Relationship to other modules

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

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour seminar (x 10 weeks), 2 consultation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks). 2 hours examination feedback in week 1 of following semester.

Scheduled learning hours: 44

Guided independent study hours: 256

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%


Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr J Muller
Module teaching staff: Dr Johannes Müller
Module coordinator email jam41@st-andrews.ac.uk