Foundations of World Politics (941M1)

30 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Autumn teaching

Dive into an intellectual journey through time to redefine your understanding of world politics today. Engage with critical ideas that probe the foundations of our global order, and hone the craft of academic research, writing and debate regarding:

• the misguided belief that world politics starts and ends with Europe
• the contentious origins and uncertain future of a system of sovereign states
• the hidden assumption that capitalism has always been here, and always will be
• the repressed histories and enduring shadows of European colonialism
• the broken promises and alternative visions of decolonisation
• the emerging contours of a potential new Cold War.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 267 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.