The International Political System
- Social Sciences
- 300 level
- 2 credit units
- 129 pages
- 20 units
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the international political system. It explores the evolution of the system, significant historical events, and the roles of various actors. The course examines the emergence of superpowers, the impact of international organizations, and contemporary issues such as terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. Students will gain insights into the dynamics of global politics and the challenges facing the international community.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 200 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 INR393, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
INR393 · Unit 3 International Pressure Groups
There will be a final examination at the end of the course. The examination carries a total of 70 percent of the total course grade. The examination will reflect the contents of what you have learnt and the self-assessments and tutor-marked assignments. You therefore need to revise your course materials beforehand.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the concept and evolution of the international political system.
- Familiarize with significant events that shape the international political system.
- Understand the emergence of superpowers within international politics.
- Gain insights into contemporary issues and dynamics of the international political system.
- Analyze the roles and functions of international organizations.
- Evaluate the impact of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction on global security.
What it prepares you for
- Diplomat
- International Relations Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Intelligence Officer
- Journalist
- Government
- International Organizations
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Think Tanks
- Media
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: The Emergence of the new world Order (1945-Present)
Unit 2: Capitalism, Communism and the Present International Political System
Understanding the complex interplay between capitalism, communism, and the current international political system requires critical analysis of economic and political ideologies.
- Module 5: the Emerging Issues in the International political System
Unit 1: Terrorism
Analyzing the causes and consequences of terrorism requires understanding complex geopolitical factors and motivations of non-state actors.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 66 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to International Political System
Unit 1: The concept and evolution of International Political System · 4 hours
Define the concept of international system.. Explain the evolution of international political system from the classical period to the contemporary era.. Identify the key characteristics of each stage..
Unit 2: Capabilities of actors in the International Political System · 3 hours
Discuss the capabilities of state and non-state actors in the international system.. Examine military, economic, and political capabilities.. Analyze how these capabilities influence actions in international politics..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction to International Political System
Unit 3: The Importance and Nature of International Political System · 4 hours
Explain the importance and nature of the international political system.. Discuss the role of diplomacy and power in state interactions.. Analyze the concept of national interest and its impact on international relations..
- Week 3Module 1: Introduction to International Political System
Unit 4: The Actors and Characteristics of the International Political System · 5 hours
Identify the actors and characteristics of the international political system.. Distinguish between state and non-state actors.. Analyze how their interactions shape foreign policy and maintain balance..
- Week 4Module 2: Significant Events in the Development of International Political System
Unit 1: Peace of the Westphalia (1648) · 5 hours
Explain the background and significance of the Peace of Westphalia.. Analyze its impact on the development of the modern state system.. Discuss the principles of sovereignty and non-interference..
- Week 5Module 2: Significant Events in the Development of International Political System
Unit 2: Shifting Balance of Power (1600-1800) · 5 hours
Examine the shifting balance of power from 1600-1800.. Identify the key states and events that influenced power relations.. Analyze the concepts of multi-polarity, uni-polarity, and bi-polarity..
- Week 6Module 2: Significant Events in the Development of International Political System
Unit 3: Balance of Power · 5 hours
Define the concept of balance of power.. Discuss the theories of balance of power.. Analyze its application during the Congress of Vienna and the Cold War..
- Week 7Module 2: Significant Events in the Development of International Political System
Unit 4: The Emergence of nationalism · 5 hours
Explain the emergence of nationalism.. Discuss its stages and factors that aided its growth in West Africa.. Analyze the role of nationalism in Nigeria's independence..
- Week 8Module 3: The Emergence of the new world Order (1945-Present)
Unit 1: The Bipolar System · 5 hours
Examine the concept of the bipolar system.. Discuss its implications for the international system.. Analyze the rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union during the Cold War..
- Week 9Module 3: The Emergence of the new world Order (1945-Present)
Unit 2: Capitalism, Communism and the Present International Political System · 5 hours
Explain the concepts of capitalism and communism.. Analyze their relevance to the present international political system.. Discuss the ideological battle during the Cold War and its aftermath..
- Week 10Module 3: The Emergence of the new world Order (1945-Present)
Unit 3: The Unipolar System · 5 hours
Examine the concept of the unipolar system.. Discuss its features and attributes.. Analyze the role of the United States as a unipolar superpower..
- Week 11Module 3: The Emergence of the new world Order (1945-Present)
Unit 4: International Trade and its Effects on the International Political System · 5 hours
Explain the concept of international trade.. Analyze its effects on the international political system.. Discuss the role of globalization and market liberalization..
- Week 12Module 4: International Organisations and the International Political System
Unit 1: The League of Nations · 5 hours
Discuss the formation, organs, achievements, and failures of the League of Nations.. Analyze its relevance to the understanding of international politics.. Compare and contrast with the United Nations..
- Week 13Module 4: International Organisations and the International Political System
Unit 2: The United Nations Organisation · 5 hours
Discuss the formation, organs, achievements, and failures of the United Nations Organization.. Analyze its role in maintaining international peace and security.. Examine the specialized agencies and their functions..
Preparing for the exam
- Create timelines of key events discussed in Modules 2 and 3 to understand the evolution of the international system.
- Develop concept maps linking the theories of balance of power, unipolarity, and bipolarity (Modules 2 and 3).
- Focus on the roles and functions of different international organizations (Module 4), and their impact on global governance.
- Research current events related to terrorism and weapons of mass destruction (Module 5) to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
- Practice essay questions on the causes and consequences of major international events, such as the Peace of Westphalia and the Cold War.
Questions students ask about this course
What is INR393 about?
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the international political system. It explores the evolution of the system, significant historical events, and the roles of various actors. The course examines the emergence of superpowers, the impact of international organizations, and contemporary issues such as terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. Students will gain insights into the dynamics of global politics and the challenges facing the international community.
How many units does INR393 have?
INR393, The International Political System, has 20 units across 5 modules, over 129 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is INR393?
INR393 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Social Sciences.
Is INR393 hard?
INR393 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does INR393 take to study?
About 200 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.
How is INR393 assessed?
INR393 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with INR393?
Diplomat, International Relations Analyst, Policy Advisor, Intelligence Officer and Journalist.