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INR232Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Foreign Policy

This course provides an interesting background to the context within which international politics has been framed and thus to the more detailed study of international relations. The course is designed to facilitate understanding of the centrality of foreign policy, but also, in the development of many of the ideas, concepts and perspectives that now drive international relations. The course will provide an in-depth understanding of the policies regulating international interactions.

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30h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Foreign PolicyInternational RelationsNational InterestDiplomacyGlobal Security

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

International Relations Theories

2

Foreign Policy Analysis

3

National Interest

4

Diplomacy

5

Global Security

6

Regional Integration

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

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Intelligence Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Lobbyist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental OrganizationsThink TanksConsulting

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

MODULE 1: Starting Point

2h

Unit 1: Meaning, Nature and Scope of International Relations

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Meaning, Nature and Scope of International Relations.
  • •Define international relations and its scope.
  • •Discuss the importance of nation-states in international relations.
Week
2

MODULE 1: Starting Point

2h

Unit 2: Development of the Study of International Relations

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Development of the Study of International Relations.
  • •Examine the historical development of international relations as a discipline.
  • •Understand the shift from idealism to behavioralism in international relations.
Week
3

MODULE 1: Starting Point

2h

Unit 3: Approaches to the Study of International Relations

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Approaches to the Study of International Relations.
  • •Compare traditional, legal/idealist, realist, and behavioral approaches.
  • •Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
Week
4

MODULE 1: Starting Point

2h

Unit 4: Power in International Relations

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Power in International Relations.
  • •Define power and its elements in international politics.
  • •Differentiate between objective and subjective elements of power.
Week
5

MODULE 2:

2h

Unit 1: Levels of Analysis

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Levels of Analysis.
  • •Understand system-level, state-level, and individual-level analyses.
  • •Analyze the relevance of each level to decision-making in world politics.
Week
6

MODULE 2:

2h

Unit 2: Actors in International Relations

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Actors in International Relations.
  • •Identify state and non-state actors in international relations.
  • •Examine the roles of IGOs, NGOs, and MNCs.
Week
7

MODULE 2:

2h

Unit 3: Foreign Policy

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Foreign Policy.
  • •Define foreign policy and its relationship to international relations.
  • •Analyze the factors influencing foreign policy decision-making.
Week
8

MODULE 2:

2h

Unit 4: Foreign Policy and National Interest

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Foreign Policy and National Interest.
  • •Understand the concept of national interest and its types.
  • •Examine the importance of national interest in foreign policy.
Week
9

MODULE 3:

2h

Unit 1: Fundamental Objectives of Foreign Policy

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Fundamental Objectives of Foreign Policy.
  • •Identify core, middle-range, and universal objectives of foreign policy.
  • •Analyze the factors influencing the achievement of foreign policy objectives.
Week
10

MODULE 3:

2h

Unit 2: Process of Formulation of Foreign Policy

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Process of Formulation of Foreign Policy.
  • •Examine the role of images, attitudes, and values in foreign policy formulation.
  • •Analyze the influence of domestic needs and public opinion.
Week
11

MODULE 3:

2h

Unit 3: Instruments for Conducting Foreign Policy

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Instruments for Conducting Foreign Policy.
  • •Identify the instruments for conducting foreign policy.
  • •Analyze the use of diplomacy, economic instruments, and propaganda.
Week
12

MODULE 3:

2h

Unit 4: Structures and Institutions for Foreign Policy Implementation

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Structures and Institutions for Foreign Policy Implementation.
  • •Examine the roles of political executives, ministries, and legislatures.
  • •Analyze the influence of interest groups and diplomatic corps.
Week
13

Final Revision

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review all course materials and assignments.
  • •Prepare for final examinations.

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.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all study units and focus on key concepts and theories.

2

Create concept maps linking different modules and units.

3

Practice applying theoretical frameworks to real-world case studies.

4

Pay close attention to the definitions and applications of key terms.

5

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Self-Assessment Exercises (SAEs).

6

Allocate study time proportionally based on the weight of each module in the final examination.

7

Form study groups to discuss and clarify complex topics.

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