Module Code - Title:
PO4051
-
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS I
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module will introduce studies to the themes and issues that exist in the study of Politics and International Relations. It will provide the first part of an introduction that will look at the basics of the study of Politics and International Relations. In particular, it will address questions about the nature and justification of the state, and its role in both domestic and international politics. The module will be offered on the Evening Degree.
Syllabus:
What is Politics and International Relations?
Power and Authority
State Development
Power in Modern States
Political Obligation in Classical Political Thought
Political Obligation in Contemporary Political Thought
States and Nonstate Actors in International Politics
International Organisations, Globalisation and Regionalism
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Understand and explain the initial foundations of the study of Politics and International Relations
Critically outline the main issues that are relevant to the study of politics and governance
Present logical arguments in both verbal and written forms
Demonstrate proficiency in basic library skills
Develop basic proficiency in planning and writing essays
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Demonstrate an appreciation of the structural differences between national and international politics
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
To facilitate different learning styles and the development of academic skills, students will be taught through lecture, class, on line exercises and through written exercises. The module builds core competences in academic study and provides students with the basic knowledge of politics and international relations to facilitate future study. Recent research findings are incorporated into lecture content.
Prime Texts:
David Runciman (2014)
Politics
, Profile Books
Other Relevant Texts:
Andrew Heywood (2013)
Politics
, Palgrave
Juliette Karboo and James Lee Ray (2011)
Global Politics
, Wadsworth
Jonathan Wolff (2016)
An Introduction to Political Philosophy
, Oxford
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ARTS
BACHELOR OF ARTS (PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS)
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN APPLIED LANGUAGES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN EUROPEAN STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN GLOBAL POLITICS
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN JOURNALISM AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
BACHELOR OF LAWS (LAW PLUS)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Neil.Robinson@ul.ie