MODULE TITLE: POL3045 Foreign Policy Analysis
Module Provider (AoU): Politics
Level: HE3
Subject (3 letters): POL
Number of Credits: 20
Module Co-ordinator: Maxine David
MODULE AVAILABILITY: Yearlong
ASSESSMENT PATTERN
Unit(s) of Assessment
Essay (1,500-2000 words)
Weighting Towards Module
Mark
( %)
40%
Formulation of a Case Study (2,000 words)
20%
Case Study (4,000 words)
40%
Qualifying Condition(s)
A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module.
PRE-REQUISITE/CO-REQUISITES
Level 2 BA Politics
MODULE OVERVIEW
The module seeks to demonstrate the continued relevance of Foreign Policy Analysis to
understanding and explaining current global events. It situates FPA particularly within the
wider discipline of International Relations but reveals it as sitting at the nexus of IR and
Political Theory. A case study on Russia is used in order to help students understand how a
general theoretical framework can be applied to a particular case. Russian foreign policymaking is discussed within the wider global context, with focus being placed particularly on
relations with the wider Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the USA.
MODULE AIMS
 Introduce students to the key debates in foreign policy

Introduce the main approaches in FPA

Help students see the relevance of Political and International Relations theories to the
study of foreign policy

Understand current challenges for foreign policy decision-makers

Develop deep understanding of Russian foreign policy in respect of the wider Europe,
the CIS and the USA particularly.

Develop students' capacity to study independently
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the module, students should have developed the skills to demonstrate the
following:
Knowledge and understanding

A critical understanding of foreign policy analysis.

Knowledge of theoretical underpinnings in FPA

Understanding of the forces that shape foreign policy-making and the ability to critically
evaluate their relative significance

The ability to formulate and complete a case study, applying theoretical frameworks to
empirical evidence.

Understanding of the specificities of the Russian situation.
Transferable and Practical Skills

Critical analysis

The ability to research independently and effectively

Good time-management and other organisational skills

Presentation skills

Excellent communication skills – both oral and written

Reflective thinking – understanding of learning processes
MODULE CONTENT
 Identification of and familiarisation with key literature in order to introduce students to
significant debates in FPA.

Meta-debate in Foreign Policy Analysis: the Two Generations.

Examination of criticisms of FPA delivered in the aftermath of the revolutions in central and
eastern Europe 1989-1991.

Identification of the factors that must be considered in order to construct a framework for
the analysis of foreign policy.

Consideration of the place of foreign policy relative to its overarching discipline of
International Relations.

A substantial Case Study on Russian Foreign Policy is applied, examining Russia’s foreign
policy relations with Europe, the CIS and the USA in particular.
METHODS OF TEACHING/LEARNING
Lectures, seminars, enquiry-based learning - requiring students to work collaboratively, in
order to research pre-assigned questions and to present results of that research to the class.
SELECTED TEXTS/JOURNALS
Clarke, M & White, B (1989) Understanding Foreign Policy. The Foreign Policy Systems
Approach, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar
Cox, M & Stokes, D (2008) US Foreign Policy, Oxford University Press
Donaldson, R & Nogee, J (2002) The Foreign Policy of Russia, Armonk, NY & London: M E
Sharpe
Hill, C (2003) The Changing Politics of Foreign Policy, Basingstoke, Hants: Palgrave
MacMillan
Smith, S, Hadfield, A, Dunne, T (2008) Foreign Policy. Theories, Actors, Cases,
University Press
Oxford
Webber, M & Smith, M (2002) Foreign Policy in a Transformed World, Harlow, Essex:
Pearson
White, B (2001) Understanding European Foreign Policy, Basingstoke, Hants: Palgrave
White, Stephen, Gitelman, Z & Sakwas, R (eds,) (2005) Developments in Russian Politics,
Basingstoke, Hants: Palgrave MacMillan