Skip to main content
NounStudy
Back to Course Catalog
INR221Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

History And Practice Of Diplomacy

This course provides students of international relations with a comprehensive understanding of the historical development and practice of diplomacy. It analyzes diplomatic practices by independent nations and non-state actors, exploring definitions, historical evolution, and changes in diplomatic relations. The course also examines diplomat characteristics, diplomatic nomenclatures, and the functions of diplomatic missions, while evaluating diplomacy's role in ensuring international peace and security.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
DiplomacyForeign PolicyInternational RelationsDiplomatic HistoryDiplomatic Practice

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definitions of Diplomacy

2

Diplomacy and Foreign Policy

3

Historical Development of Diplomacy

4

Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges

5

Types of Diplomacy

6

Diplomacy at the United Nations

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

Foreign Service Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Negotiator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental OrganizationsConsultingAcademia

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Conceptualisation of Diplomacy

2h

Unit 1: Definitions of Diplomacy

2 study hours
  • •Read definitions of diplomacy by different authors.
  • •Discuss reasons for varying definitions.
  • •Explain the meaning of diplomacy and its importance in international relations.
Week
2

Module 1: Conceptualisation of Diplomacy

2h

Unit 2: Diplomacy and Foreign Policy

2 study hours
  • •Explain the relationship between diplomacy and foreign policy.
  • •Discuss the nature of diplomacy and its role in implementing foreign policy.
  • •Analyze the differences between foreign policy and diplomacy.
Week
3

Module 1: Conceptualisation of Diplomacy

2h

Unit 3: Dimensions of Diplomacy

2 study hours
  • •Explain the dimensions of modern diplomacy.
  • •Discuss topical issues in modern diplomacy.
  • •Evaluate the contents of diplomacy and identify key players.
Week
4

Module 1: Conceptualisation of Diplomacy

2h

Unit 4: The Scope of Diplomacy

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the scope of diplomacy in international relations.
  • •Analyze the factors influencing the scope of diplomatic activities.
  • •Evaluate the limitations and challenges in the scope of diplomacy.
Week
5

Module 2: Historical Perceptions of Diplomacy

2h

Unit 1: Diplomatic History

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the historical development of diplomacy.
  • •Explain the origin of modern diplomacy.
  • •List the conditions for new diplomacy and their impact on international relations.
Week
6

Module 2: Historical Perceptions of Diplomacy

2h

Unit 2: Appointments, Reception and Recall of Diplomats

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the importance of appointing career diplomats as ambassadors.
  • •Explain the protocols of receiving diplomatic envoys.
  • •Discuss the reasons for recalling diplomats and their implications.
Week
7

Module 2: Historical Perceptions of Diplomacy

2h

Unit 3: Characteristics/Qualities of Diplomats

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the qualities expected in a good diplomat.
  • •Explain the dangers of appointing non-professionals as ambassadors.
  • •Give reasons why a career in the foreign office is an enviable one.
Week
8

Module 2: Historical Perceptions of Diplomacy

2h

Unit 4: Functions of Diplomatic Missions

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the roles and services expected of foreign missions.
  • •Discuss the duties of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and ambassadors.
  • •Explain the importance of maintaining foreign missions by the home government.
Week
9

Module 3: Patterns of Diplomatic Relations

2h

Unit 1: Types of Diplomacy

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the different types of diplomacy.
  • •Explain the meaning of personal diplomacy.
  • •Identify the categories of people who can be accepted by nations for personal diplomacy.
  • •Evaluate the importance of diplomacy.
Week
10

Module 3: Patterns of Diplomatic Relations

2h

Unit 2: Diplomatic Nomenclatures

2 study hours
  • •Explain the administrative structures that make up diplomatic missions.
  • •Explain the hierarchies of diplomatic missions.
  • •Discuss the specification of functions that exist in foreign missions.
  • •Identify the links between foreign missions and foreign affairs.
Week
11

Module 3: Patterns of Diplomatic Relations

2h

Unit 3: Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges

2 study hours
  • •State some special attributes of diplomatic missions.
  • •List some of the privileges and immunities as regards diplomatic envoys.
  • •Enumerate some of the rules concerning relations with envoys.
  • •Discuss the environment of diplomatic activities and relations with receiving states and governments.
Week
12

Module 3: Patterns of Diplomatic Relations

2h

Unit 4: Breach of Diplomatic Relations

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the meaning and effects of declaring a diplomat persona non grata.
  • •Discuss modalities involved in severing diplomatic relations between two countries.
  • •List some issues that can result in breaching of diplomatic relations between nations.
Week
13

Module 4: Diplomacy in a Changing World

2h

Unit 1: Diplomacy at the United Nations

2 study hours
  • •Explain the structure of the global organization, the United Nations.
  • •Discuss ways the world body is being misused by the powerful nations.
  • •Distinguish between open and private diplomacy.
  • •List the main functions of the United Nations in diplomatic relations among nation states.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create timelines of key events in diplomatic history (Units 1-4 Module 2).

2

Compare and contrast different types of diplomacy (Units 1-4 Module 3).

3

Analyze case studies of diplomatic successes and failures (all modules).

4

Practice applying diplomatic concepts to current international issues (all modules).

5

Review key articles of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (Unit 3 Module 3).

Related Courses

Other courses in Social Sciences that complement your learning

PCR261

Culture Values And Conflicts In War

3 Units
POL228

Introduction To Comparative Politics

3 Units
INR272

New States in World Politics

2 Units
View All Social Sciences Courses