Globalisation of World Politics
| Module title | Globalisation of World Politics |
|---|---|
| Module code | POL1017 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor John Heathershaw (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 220 |
|---|
Module description
This module introduces you to the discipline of International Relations, to the key moments in the historical development of world politics and how these historical processes have shaped the emergence of globalization. You will develop an understanding of the key questions and core concepts used within the field of IR, the historical contexts in which they are situated, and thereby understand how to use them for yourself.
Module aims - intentions of the module
- To introduce you as first year politics students to the concepts and questions of world politics.
- To introduce you to the key moments in the historical development of the world politics and the emergence of globalization
- To familiarise you with the contexts and broad approaches used within the field of International Relations.
- To exercise some of the analytical techniques necessary to evaluate world politics.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. categorise and evaluate core approaches and key concepts in International Relations;
- 2. describe, categorise and interpret the historical development of world politics;
- 3. review and recall key historical moments in world history.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. distinguish among theoretical, conceptual and empirical lines of inquiry;
- 5. demonstrate awareness of the key concepts used with the field;
- 6. engage in comparative and critical analytical work;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. study independently;
- 8. communicate effectively in speech and writing;
- 9. research & critically evaluate information;
- 10. work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover the historical context of world politics, how different practices of world politics have emerged, the traditions of inquiry in International Relations, and the key concepts that have evolved in the discipline to understand the world – especially the concept of globalisation. Some or all of empire and colonialism, power and states, inequalities and identities, violence and security will also be introduced as themes and concepts of world politics. Historical cases studies will illustrate the core concepts which will be taught and assessed in the module.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 21.5 | 128.5 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and teaching activity | 16.5 | 11 x 1.5 hour lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and teaching activity | 5 | 5 x 1 hour tutorials |
| Guided Independent Learning | 60 | Preparation and completion of assessments |
| Guided Independent Learning | 69 | Preparation for lectures and tutorials |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay outline | 200 words | 1-9 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 45 | 5 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50 | 1,000 words | 1-9 | Written |
| Timed Exam | 45 | 1 hour | 1-10 | Written |
| Attendance | 5 | Tutorials | 1-6, 8, 10 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay (1,000 words) | Essay (1,000 words) | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
| Timed Exam (1 hour) | Timed Exam (1 hour) | 1-10 | August/September reassessment period |
Re-assessment notes
Note that attendance (5%) is removed and the timed exam will increase from 45% to 50%
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Baylis, John, Steve Smith and Patricia Owens (eds) (2025), The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations (Oxford: Oxford University Press).
Crilley, Rhys, Nivi Manchanda, et al (2025)Thinking World Politics Otherwise (Oxford: Oxford University Press)
Dunne, Tim, Milja Kurki and Steve Smith (eds) (2016) International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity (Oxford: Oxford University Press).
Edkins, Jenny, and Zehfuss, Maja (eds.) (2025) Global Politics A New Introduction, 3rd edition (London: Routledge).
Heywood, Andrew (2014), Global Politics (Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan).
Jackson, Robert and George Sørensen (2016), Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches (Oxford: Oxford University Press).
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – vle.exeter.ac.uk/
Key words search
Globalization World Politics
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2011 |
| Last revision date | 28/03/2025 |
