Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Politics and Global Studies
Module Catalogue
Semester 2 - 2015/2016
Module code: PO1201
Module Title: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS AND GLOBAL STUDIES II
Module Credits:
15.00
Number of Periods: 1
Module Tutor:
Description:
This module builds upon Introduction to Politics and Global Studies I. Where the first
part of the module looked at theoretical concepts and provided the frameworks for
understanding global issues, the companion module applies these methods to more
recent and then contemporary themes in international politics and society. In the first
part of the module, the focus is to look at the Cold War ordering of the world. In the
second, the post Cold War context is elaborated upon, with a particular focus on
introducing questions about issues such as climate change, nuclear proliferation, antiterrorism and the influence of religion in global affairs, resource issues and energy
security. These issues are all dealt with in the final two years of the course in greater
detail but are raised here in order to provide initial understanding and recognition of the
most significant issues confronting world powers and regional blocs today.
Specific to:
Politics and Global Studies Joint
English Language Studies Main
Politics and Global Studies
Availability:
A
Assessments:
25%
25%
50%
15/16
S2
Winchester
Essay 1500 words
Bibliography 1500 words
Qualifying exam - 2 hours - requirement for progression
Module code: PO1202
Module Title: INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL POLITICAL ECONOMY
Module Credits:
15.00
Number of Periods: 1
Module Tutor:
Max Stafford
Description:
The process of globalisation has presented fresh challenges not just for nation states but
for other actors in the world economy, from corporations to individuals, with
consequences predictable and unexpected. The module begins with an analysis of the
emergence of industrial political economy in the fifteenth century through the industrial
revolution to the post-1945 world order up to contemporary issues in global political
economy including globalisation, gender and diversity. The intention throughout the
module is to demonstrate how theories in global political economy can be applied to
politics and global studies. This module will then examine aspects of globalisation which
affect the world in several different ways such as the emergence of worldwide
production markets and broader access to a range of goods for consumers and
companies, the emergence of worldwide financial markets, the realization of a global
common market, based on the freedom of exchange of goods and capital, the creation
of a global authorities which regulate the relationships among nations, the increase in
information flows, especially from previously remote locations, the growth of cultural
contacts and identities which embody the desire to consume and enjoy foreign products
and ideas, adopt new practices, and participate in a "world culture." The module
responds to these issues covering key points such as:
The post-1945 economy
The rise of Global Political Economy (GPE) in the study of international relations
Traditional Approaches to a GPE
New Approaches to the GPE
The globalisation debate in the GPE
Challenges and rebellion against a GPE
The future possibilities of a GPE.
Specific to:
Politics and Global Studies Joint
Global History and Politics
Politics and Global Studies
Availability:
A
Assessments:
50%
50%
15/16
S2
Debate
Essay 2500 words
Winchester
Module code: PO1203
Module Title: UNITED STATES POLITICS AND SOCIETY
Module Credits:
15.00
Number of Periods: 1
Module Tutor:
William Sheward
Description:
This module examines the ideas and themes in American politics, with particular
emphasis on the contemporary situation. It will incorporate key theories of political
science and political philosophy, looking at such themes as separation of powers and
ideas including American liberalism and American conservatism. It will also look at the
contemporary policy debates in America at present, such as healthcare and the size of
the government. The module should provide sufficient foundational knowledge of the
American political system, which will aid future study, especially in other modules like
Modern American Presidency and US foreign Policy.
Specific to:
Politics and Global Studies
Availability:
A
Assessments:
50%
50%
15/16
S2
Essay (1500 words)
Dossier (1500 words)
Winchester
Module code: PO1204
Module Title: Human Rights in the Global Political Economy
Module Credits:
15.00
Number of Periods: 1
Module Tutor:
Description:
Human rights have been called the ‘idea of our time.’ In the post-World War Two period
this ‘idea’ has achieved a totemic status, associated with civility and modernity. Against
this, however, are the widespread reports of torture, genocide, disappearances, ethnic
cleansing, political prisoners, the suppression of trade unions and democracy
movements, and wilful deprivation of access to the basic necessities of life.
One of the causes for the apparent disjuncture between the optimism represented by
the idea of human rights, and the pessimism engendered by media reports of
widespread violation of human rights, can be found in what John Vincent has called
‘human rights talk’. Human rights is not a singular discourse, but three overlapping
discourses: philosophy, law and politics. We will critically explore these three discourses
historically, culturally and in their contemporary form, and seek to gain an insight into
the role of human rights under conditions of present-day globalization.
Specific to:
Politics and Global Studies
Availability:
A
Assessments:
50%
50%
15/16
S2
Essay (1500 words)
Exam (2 hours)
Winchester
Module code: PO2402B
Module Title: The 'War on Terror', the 'Axis of Evil' and Beyond
Module Credits:
15.00
Number of Periods: 1
Module Tutor:
William Sheward
Description:
This module considers the legacy of the events of 9/11 and the subsequent 'War on
Terror' declared by President Bush against the so called 'Axis of Evil' from a range of
perspectives in order to assess the cultural-political dimensions of this struggle which
has defined the contemporary moment. Basic topics will include concepts of American
imperialism, the rise of neo-conservation in the USA, reactions to 9/11 and coalition war
policy and goals. Throughout the module, the concern will be with how political opinion
and cultural practices seek to promote support for or encourage dissent against the
'War on Terror'. This will include an examination of the roots of 9/11, public consent and
dissent in the aftermath of 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq, America's relations with allies
and international organisations, the conduct of the 'War on Terror' in Afghanistan and
Iraq, and the potential consequences for America and the world of the legacies of the
'War on Terror'. Finally, the legacy of these concepts and the events and tendencies at
home and abroad which they have given such stimulus to will be considered, as the war
on terror transitions from the Bush to the Obama Administrations. Materials studied
within the module will include political manifestoes and statements of policy on the
'War on Terror', polemics, histories and journalistic accounts of the recent past,
documentaries and fiction films concerned with events, and web resources, notably
blogs by soldiers and dissenters.
Specific to:
English Language Studies Single Honours
Global History and Politics
History and the Modern World
History
Politics and Global Studies
Politics and Global Studies Joint
Availability:
A
Assessments:
50%
50%
15/16
S2
Winchester
Dossier (2000 words equivalent)
Essay (1500 words)
Module code: PO2405
Module Title: INTERNATIONAL LAW
Module Credits:
15.00
Number of Periods: 1
Module Tutor:
Christine Ryan
Description:
This is an intermediate level module which aims to further develop the first year
introduction students received to the main sources and principles of International Law.
The module begins with discussion of the nature and purpose of International Law in the
contemporary world arena and goes on to examine sources of International Law
including customs, treaties and conventions, such as the United Nations Charter which is
one of the world’s most important international treaties. The module then examines
the main principles of International Law including the principle of self-determination,
state jurisdiction and diplomatic immunity, the law of the sea, land, air and space and
doctrines of war crimes. In analysing the main principles of International Law this
module places significant emphasis on state and non-state actors, international
organisations, non-governmental organisations and individuals. The module also
discusses sensitive and least developed issues of International Law such as human rights,
terrorism and the environment.
Specific to:
Politics and Global Studies
Politics and Global Studies Joint
Availability:
A
Assessments:
75%
25%
15/16
S2
Essay (2000 words)
Individual presentation
Winchester
Module code: PO2408
Module Title: Security Studies: Theory and Practice
Module Credits:
15.00
Number of Periods: 1
Module Tutor:
Max Stafford
Description:
This module examines the expansion of security concerns in contemporary strategic
thought. Prior to the Second World War national and territorial sovereignty were the
primary security concerns of nation states. Today security and defence issues have been
expanded to include a wide array of concerns such as human rights, environmental
security, cyber warfare, terrorism, nuclear proliferation and arms control. This module
seeks to explore the causes of war and contemporary security challenges.
Specific to:
Global History and Politics
Politics and Global Studies
Politics and Global Studies Joint
Availability:
A
Assessments:
60%
40%
15/16
S2
Essay (2000 words)
Exam (2 hours)
Winchester
Module code: PO2409
Module Title: Political Leadership and Communication
Module Credits:
15.00
Number of Periods: 1
Module Tutor:
William Sheward
Description:
This module explores the core philosophies, theories and concepts surrounding political
leadership. The module will explore a wide variety of issues – from political leadership
within different national contexts through to the abstract (for instance, in election
campaigns.) With leadership facing a variety of challenges – including a rise in political
apathy and distrust on the part of the public – the possible future dimensions of
leadership will be explored, as well as its historical context and development. Where
possible, the module will seek to introduce guest lecturers who have played a direct role
in public life into the teaching schedule in order to enhance students’ understanding of
the complexities involved in being a leader. Above all, the module aims to equip
students with the skills and abilities required for analysing, deconstructing and
evaluating different types of leadership and mass communication, to examine how the
two interact across a wide range of media to advance political goals.
Specific to:
Global History and Politics
Politics and Global Studies
Politics and Global Studies Joint
Availability:
A
Assessments:
50%
50%
15/16
S2
Essay (2000 words)
Exam (2 hours)
Winchester
Module code: PO3601
Module Title: Politics, Energy and the Environment
Module Credits:
Number of Periods:
Module Tutor:
Description:
15.00
1
Christine Ryan
This module examines the nexus of political power with natural resources. There are
three main areas of focus in this module: food, water, and oil security. This module will
first look at the access to food supplies and how it is played out politically. Is a famine a
political tool, a weapon of war, or just an unforeseen tragedy? The module will then
examine the issue of controlling water supplies and how this is interconnected to
political control. The final natural resource examined is oil. To what extent are some
nations’ access to energy supplies linked to their national security? How does the
presence of oil affect a state’s domestic politics and/or international relations? The
course examines the role resource politics played during the Cold War, the ‘Great Game’
of Central Asia, the desire of western powers to develop and control oil supplies, and
how this relates to the war on terrorism. Furthermore, what role will China’s desire to
secure oil play as it attempts to capitalise on its foreign relations in the Middle East,
Africa and South America? How far will Russia’s own energy resources involve it in key
areas of the world not least the Middle East? At a deeper level, are oil supplies running
out? The module will examine these and other related questions. Finally, the course
will conclude by considering all three natural resources and discuss how they have been
linked to conflict. Combining the three issues of food, water and oil we will take a close
examination of the case study of Sudan.
This module addresses the environmental issues which are increasingly recognised as
major threats to humanity and the viability of both economic and political systems. The
principal focus will be the present, post cold-war period and its debates about global
warming, decreasing biodiversity, diminishing global resources and pollution of both
biosphere and atmosphere. The examination of these critical issues will be based on a
brief historical review of the environmental and conservation movements. In this review
the decade of the 1960s provides a benchmark for the origins of international concerns
about the world’s environment. The publication of Rachel Carson’s ‘Silent Spring’ (1962)
and organisations such as the Club of Rome (founded in 1965) heralded a period of
debate focussed on issues of the ‘population bomb’, ‘limits to growth’ and the neoMalthusian pessimism of food and energy crises. These debates include the Montreal
Protocol on ozone depletion (1987) and culminate in the World’s first major global
summit conference devoted to environmental issues, the Rio Summit of 1992. With this
background the module then addresses a range of global issues in which nation states,
multinational businesses and conservation agencies are involved in policy negotiations;
issues such as climate change, sustainable water and energy resources, rainforest
biodiversity, whaling, and pandemics. Global environmental problems threaten the
health and security of all; they challenge governments and individuals to prioritise their
needs and those of future generations. The module aims to inform and develop critical
debate; the principal question, how do members of the international community
address environmental issues that transcend state boundaries?
Specific to:
Global History and Politics
Politics and Global Studies
Politics and Global Studies Joint
Availability:
Assessments:
A 15/16 S2
75% ESSAY
25% PRESENTATION
Winchester
Module code: PO3604
Module Title: China: 21st Century Challenges
Module Credits:
15.00
Number of Periods: 1
Module Tutor:
Description:
This module discusses the People’s Republic of China and its transformation from pariah
state to economically vibrant and assertive nation and the challenge it poses to western
global and economic hegemony. Study will briefly consider China’s recent past, aspects
of the one-party Communist system and issues such as China’s human rights record. The
module will then examine its China’s primary foreign policy objectives, particularly the
integration of Taiwan. The pressures this has created on its relations with the USA, Japan
and the Far East in general will be scrutinised, with particular attention paid to the
difficulties the USA faces in upholding commitments to Taiwan while increasing its
economic interaction with China. Finally the module will return to examining China’s
global performance and examine signs of a shift from the Western axis to an Eastern one
and consider the implications of this for the rest of the world, particularly the USA. The
module will deal with texts in English translation.
Specific to:
Business Management
Global History and Politics
Politics and Global Studies
Politics and Global Studies Joint
Availability:
A
Assessments:
60%
40%
15/16
S2
Essay (3000 words)
Exam
Winchester
Module code: PO3605
Module Title: Case Study in Political Philosophy: Conservatism
Module Credits:
15.00
Number of Periods: 1
Module Tutor:
William Sheward
Description:
This module examines the meanings, interpretations and applications of conservatism as
political philosophy, ideology and mode of governance, from its modern incarnation in
the late eighteenth century to the present day. While focusing principally on its
incarnations and development in the United States and Great Britain, it will discuss case
studies of conservatism in other countries and regions as a means of discussing how its
western origins have developed, adapted and transmuted in contexts divorced from its
origins.
Acceptable to:
Global History and Politics
Politics and Global Studies
Politics and Global Studies Joint
Availability:
A
Assessments:
60%
40%
15/16
S2
Essay (3000) words
Exam
Winchester
Module code: PO3608
Module Title: The Politics of Food Production, Distribution and Consumption:
Development and Challenges
Module Credits:
15.00
Number of Periods: 1
Module Tutor:
Description:
This module explores some of the most important issues for the food industry –
exploring how and why is becoming more customer-oriented to deliver safe products
for consumers, high quality products to maintain customer satisfaction to gain
competitive advantage on the market and needs faster response and improvements to
deal with food frauds and incidents. Is it better to put resources into identifying fraud
and enforcement services or into raising public consciousness regarding the problem of
food counterfeiting and fraud? How could technology be used to speed up the
identification of fraud? How to anticipate problems and better understand risks?
In the context of the issues discussed, consumers may show interest in issues not
directly related to products but derived from their (the consumers•) value system
involving, e.g., requirements on origins, process organization, environmental protection
or social responsibility (Lobb et al., 2007). Today, given the constraints of globalization,
achieving global analysis and global action on food issues, an approach that is at the
heart of this module.
Specific to:
Politics and Global Studies
Politics and Global Studies Joint
Availability:
A
Assessments:
40%
60%
15/16
S2
Individual presentation
Essay (2000 words)
Winchester