University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: 3.00 pm Wed

This module focuses on contemporary international institutions aimed at addressing matters of pressing global concern. It is, most of all, concerned with the practical policy challenges of governance: what should be done to reduce violence and promote peace, justice, and human rights, and how can these goals be achieved in a world of finite resources and competing interests? The module begins by introducing the range of actors in global governance. We then reflect on major theoretical approaches concerning the origins and efficacy of global institutions, asking 'when do institutions matter, and how?' The second half of the module applies these analytic lenses to case studies including disarmament, humanitarian intervention, the International Criminal Court, and the human rights regime. Throughout, students are challenged to integrate theory and and empirics to critically evaluate the utility of IR scholarship in understanding and responding to real world problems.

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 1-hour lecture plus 1 x 1-hour tutorial. In order to ensure small groups for the tutorial discussions, the instructor will divide the class into multiple tutorial groups, each of which will meet each week during semester.

Scheduled learning hours: 27

Guided independent study hours: 268

Assessment pattern

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

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr A S Bower
Module teaching staff: Dr A Bower