University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: 4.00 pm Thu

This module aims to examine the many forms of activism and resistance that take place in the international system, with an emphasis upon those whose claims for agency may most often go unheard, whether for reasons of age, cause, ethnicity, gender, race, or sexuality. This module will provide both a theoretical grounding in the literatures of activism and resistance, and an empirical analysis of the acts that have taken place in their name using the so-called 'weapons of the weak'. From such acts, often everyday in character, this module will examine the significance of activism and resistance in global terms.

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 (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), 2 consultation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks). 2 hours examination feedback in week 1 of following semester. Occasional film/video viewing.

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 280

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

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

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor A M S Watson
Module teaching staff: Prof A Watson

Intended learning outcomes

• Understand the many forms of activism and resistance and of their relationship to notions of power in the international system
• Understand the implications of this relationship for the study of contemporary international affairs
• Hopefully look at international relations in a different way
• Organising your ideas in written form
• Making presentations to a small group
• Working as part of a team through a variety of class-based initiatives