University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: 3pm Mon

This module looks at Britain's role in the Iraq War of 2003. In order to do this, it goes back and looks at Britain's policy towards and involvement in Iraq and the Middle East since the end of the First World War. There are a number of questions that run through this module: what role should the United Kingdom play in world affairs?; what's the nature of the UK's security relationship with the United States and what are the costs and benefits of this relationship?; what role does the UK play as one of the permanent five members of the UN Security Council?; and what is the UK's relationship in the triangular relationship between the UK, US and Europe, both in the sense of its fellow members of the European Union and in the sense of its fellow members of NATO.

Relationship to other modules

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

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: One lecture (x10 weeks), one seminar (x10 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 292

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2 x 2500 word essays = 50%, 1x Simulation Exercise = 10%, 1 x 3500 word Essay = 40%

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

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

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr L F Middup
Module teaching staff: Dr L Middup

Intended learning outcomes

• Have an understanding of Britain’s relationship with the modern state of Iraq from the early 20th century to the early 21st century.
• Have a nuanced overview of the following thematic areas: the UK’s relationship with the greater Middle East, Iraq in particular, the UK’s relationship with the United States, and the UK’s relationship with multilateral organisations, particularly the United Nations and the European Union.
• Have an understanding of how the UK makes foreign and defence policy.
• Be able to assess critically historical and scientific research on this topic.
• Develop their written and oral skills through essays, examinations, and presentations in the tutorial program.