Introduction To Foreign Policy
- Social Sciences
- 200 level
- 3 credit units
- 162 pages
- 20 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 30 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of INR232, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
INR232 · UNIT 1 MEANING, NATURE AND SCOPE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
It is thus decisively important for the student of international relations to understand that the world of today is marked by two factors. One fact has to do with the nature of power in the age of the atom; the other concerns the interdependence of mankind in an age of the individual.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the key concepts and theories of international relations.
- Analyze the foreign policy decision-making process.
- Evaluate the role of national interest in foreign policy.
- Assess the effectiveness of different instruments of foreign policy.
- Examine the challenges to global security.
- Understand the dynamics of regional integration.
What it prepares you for
- Diplomat
- Policy Analyst
- International Relations Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- Lobbyist
- Government
- International Organizations
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Think Tanks
- Consulting
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- MODULE 3:
Unit 3: Instruments for Conducting Foreign Policy
Understanding the nuances of applying various instruments like diplomacy, economic measures, and propaganda requires critical evaluation and contextual awareness.
- MODULE 5:
UNIT 1: Global and International Security: Traditional Road
The unit requires understanding of complex models and theories related to deterrence, arms control, and strategic stability.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1MODULE 1: Starting Point
Unit 1: Meaning, Nature and Scope of International Relations · 2 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 2MODULE 1: Starting Point
Unit 2: Development of the Study of International Relations · 2 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 3MODULE 1: Starting Point
Unit 3: Approaches to the Study of International Relations · 2 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 4MODULE 1: Starting Point
Unit 4: Power in International Relations · 2 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 5MODULE 2:
Unit 1: Levels of Analysis · 2 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 6MODULE 2:
Unit 2: Actors in International Relations · 2 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 7MODULE 2:
Unit 3: Foreign Policy · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Foreign Policy.. Define foreign policy and its relationship to international relations.. Analyze the factors influencing foreign policy decision-making..
- Week 8MODULE 2:
Unit 4: Foreign Policy and National Interest · 2 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 9MODULE 3:
Unit 1: Fundamental Objectives of Foreign Policy · 2 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 10MODULE 3:
Unit 2: Process of Formulation of Foreign Policy · 2 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 11MODULE 3:
Unit 3: Instruments for Conducting Foreign Policy · 2 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 12MODULE 3:
Unit 4: Structures and Institutions for Foreign Policy Implementation · 2 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 13Final Revision
Final Revision · 4 hours
Review all course materials and assignments.. Prepare for final examinations..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all study units and focus on key concepts and theories.
- Create concept maps linking different modules and units.
- Practice applying theoretical frameworks to real-world case studies.
- Pay close attention to the definitions and applications of key terms.
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Self-Assessment Exercises (SAEs).
- Allocate study time proportionally based on the weight of each module in the final examination.
- Form study groups to discuss and clarify complex topics.
Questions students ask about this course
What is INR232 about?
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.
How many units does INR232 have?
INR232, Introduction To Foreign Policy, has 20 units across 5 modules, over 162 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is INR232?
INR232 carries 3 credit units, at 200 level in Social Sciences.
Is INR232 hard?
INR232 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does INR232 take to study?
About 30 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.
How is INR232 assessed?
INR232 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with INR232?
Diplomat, Policy Analyst, International Relations Officer, Intelligence Analyst and Lobbyist.