Structure Of The International System
- Social Sciences
- 100 level
- 2 credit units
- 99 pages
- 11 units
This course introduces undergraduate students of International Relations to the structure of the contemporary international system. It examines the patterns and changes that have occurred in the system over the years. The course teaches the basis of international relations in ensuring international peace and security in the present nuclear age. The course also exposes students to the basic rules and regulations guiding inter-state relations.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 40 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of INR121, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
INR121 · UNIT 1: THE SUBJECT MATTER OF INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
Frederick Dunn, on the other hand, contends that international relations may be looked upon as the actual boundaries, or as the body of knowledge which we have of those relations at any given time (McClellan, 1966).
What you should be able to do
- Understand the fundamental concepts of diplomacy and international relations.
- Analyze the historical development of diplomatic practices.
- Identify the key characteristics and qualities of effective diplomats.
- Evaluate the role of diplomacy in maintaining international peace and security.
- Assess the impact of globalization and technology on diplomatic practices.
What it prepares you for
- Diplomat
- Foreign Policy Analyst
- International Relations Officer
- Lobbyist
- Political Risk Analyst
- Government
- International Organizations
- Non-profit Sector
- Consulting
- Academia
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: Patterns of Diplomatic Relations.
Unit 3: Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges.
Understanding the nuances of diplomatic immunities and privileges requires careful attention to international law and historical precedents.
- Module 4: Diplomacy in a Changing World
Unit 2: Changing Nature of Diplomacy.
Analyzing the impact of technology and globalization on diplomatic practices requires understanding complex interdisciplinary concepts.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 42 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: The Concept of Diplomacy in International Relations.
Unit 1: Definitions diplomacy · 3 hours
Define diplomacy and its evolution.. Discuss the relationship between diplomacy and foreign policy..
- Week 2Module 1: The Concept of Diplomacy in International Relations.
Unit 2: Diplomacy and Foreign Policy · 3 hours
Analyze the role of foreign policy in shaping diplomatic actions.. Examine the factors influencing foreign policy decisions..
- Week 3Module 1: The Concept of Diplomacy in International Relations.
Unit 3: Dimensions of diplomacy · 3 hours
Explore the various dimensions of diplomacy, including negotiation and communication.. Discuss the importance of cultural awareness in diplomacy..
- Week 4Module 1: The Concept of Diplomacy in International Relations.
Unit 4: The Scope of Diplomacy · 3 hours
Examine the scope of diplomacy in addressing global issues.. Discuss the limitations of diplomacy in conflict resolution..
- Week 5Module 2: Historical Perceptions of Diplomacy
Unit 1: Diplomatic History · 3 hours
Trace the historical development of diplomatic practices.. Analyze the evolution of diplomatic norms and protocols..
- Week 6Module 2: Historical Perceptions of Diplomacy
Unit 2: Appointments, Reception and Recall of Diplomats · 3 hours
Discuss the processes involved in appointing, receiving, and recalling diplomats.. Examine the role of diplomatic immunity and privileges..
- Week 7Module 2: Historical Perceptions of Diplomacy
Unit 3: Characteristics/Qualities of Diplomats · 3 hours
Identify the key characteristics and qualities of effective diplomats.. Discuss the ethical considerations in diplomatic practice..
- Week 8Module 2: Historical Perceptions of Diplomacy
Unit 4: Functions of Diplomatic Missions · 3 hours
Examine the various functions performed by diplomatic missions.. Discuss the role of embassies and consulates in promoting national interests..
- Week 9Module 3: Patterns of Diplomatic Relations.
Unit 1: Types of Diplomacy · 3 hours
Explore the different types of diplomacy, including bilateral and multilateral diplomacy.. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type..
- Week 10Module 3: Patterns of Diplomatic Relations.
Unit 2: Diplomatic nomenclatures. · 3 hours
Define diplomatic nomenclatures and their significance.. Discuss the use of titles and protocols in diplomatic communication..
- Week 11Module 3: Patterns of Diplomatic Relations.
Unit 3: Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges. · 3 hours
Examine the diplomatic immunities and privileges granted to diplomats.. Discuss the legal basis and limitations of these immunities..
Unit 4: Breach of Diplomatic Relations. · 3 hours
Analyze the consequences of breaching diplomatic relations.. Discuss the procedures for severing diplomatic ties..
- Week 12Module 4: Diplomacy in a Changing World
Unit 1: Diplomacy at the United Nations. · 3 hours
Explore the role of diplomacy at the United Nations.. Discuss the challenges and opportunities for multilateral diplomacy..
- Week 13Module 4: Diplomacy in a Changing World
Unit 2: Changing Nature of Diplomacy. · 3 hours
Analyze the changing nature of diplomacy in the 21st century.. Discuss the impact of technology and globalization on diplomatic practices..
Preparing for the exam
- Review key definitions and concepts from Units 1-4 to establish a strong foundation.
- Create timelines of diplomatic history from Module 2, noting key events and their impact.
- Practice applying diplomatic principles to hypothetical scenarios, focusing on conflict resolution.
- Analyze case studies of successful and unsuccessful diplomatic missions, identifying key factors.
- Focus on understanding the evolving role of diplomacy in the context of globalization and technology.
- Prepare concise summaries of each unit, highlighting key arguments and supporting evidence.
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and feedback to identify areas for improvement.
Questions students ask about this course
What is INR121 about?
This course introduces undergraduate students of International Relations to the structure of the contemporary international system. It examines the patterns and changes that have occurred in the system over the years. The course teaches the basis of international relations in ensuring international peace and security in the present nuclear age. The course also exposes students to the basic rules and regulations guiding inter-state relations.
How many units does INR121 have?
INR121, Structure Of The International System, has 11 units across 3 modules, over 99 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is INR121?
INR121 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Social Sciences.
Is INR121 hard?
INR121 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does INR121 take to study?
About 40 hours of study, spread across its 11 units.
How is INR121 assessed?
INR121 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with INR121?
Diplomat, Foreign Policy Analyst, International Relations Officer, Lobbyist and Political Risk Analyst.