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PCR417Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

International Relations And Security

This course, International Relations and Security, explores the multifaceted nature of international relations and the security challenges confronting the global system. It examines the relationships among states, including compromise, confrontation, and cooperation. The course delves into the historical evolution of the international system, key theories, actors, and power dynamics. Students will analyze contemporary security threats, the role of diplomacy, and the character of terrorism, developing critical skills for careers in peace and conflict resolution.

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46h

Study Time

13

Weeks

4h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

International RelationsSecurityDiplomacyTerrorismPower

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

Evolution of International System

2

Theories of International Relations

3

Actors in the International System

4

Power Relations in the International System

5

Contemporary Security Threats

6

Diplomacy

7

Terrorism

Total Topics7 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

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Conflict Resolution Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

Security Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental OrganizationsSecurity SectorDiplomacy

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Course Overview

3h

Course Guide

3 study hours

•Read the course guide to understand the course structure, objectives, and assessment methods.
•Familiarize yourself with the course materials, including study units, textbooks, and online resources.
•Create a study schedule to allocate time for each unit and assignment.

Week

2

Module 1: Evolution of International System

4h

Unit 1: International System: Growth And Development

4 study hours

•Read Unit 1: International System: Growth and Development.
•Identify the key stages in the evolution of the international system.
•Analyze the characteristics of the contemporary international system and its growth.
•Discuss the structure of the international system and its implications for global security.

Week

3

Module 1: Evolution of International System

4h

Unit 2: The Practice of Economic Relations in International Affairs

4 study hours

•Read Unit 2: The Practice of Economic Relations in International Affairs.
•Analyze the dynamics of international economic relations.
•Assess the roles of economy in international relations.
•Explain the character of international economic relations, including perspectives on economic globalization and the North-South divide.

Week

4

Module 1: Evolution of International System

6h

Unit 3: Introduction to International Law

3 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Introduction to International Law.
•Describe the workings of international law in international relations.
•Explain the various sources of international law.
•Distinguish between international law and municipal law.

Unit 4: Historical Development And Framework Of International Organisations

3 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Historical Development And Framework Of International Organisations.
•Trace the history of international organizations.
•Analyze international organizations with focus on their characteristics and groupings.
•Describe the functions of international organizations with reference to a particular international organization.

Week

5

Module 2: Theories and Practice of International Relations

6h

Unit 1: Integration Theories And The Application

3 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Integration Theories and the Application.
•Analyze the basic integration theories of international relations.
•Apply the integration theories of international relations to international matters.

Unit 2: System Theories And The Application

3 study hours

•Read Unit 2: System Theories And The Application.
•Analyze the various System theories of International Relations.
•Apply the System theories to international relations in given situations.

Week

6

Module 2: Theories and Practice of International Relations

6h

Unit 3: The Balance Of Power Theories

3 study hours

•Read Unit 3: The Balance Of Power Theories.
•Explain the workability of balance of power.
•Demonstrate the application of Balance of Power to international relations and security.
•Analyze the various weaknesses of Balance of Power.

Unit 4: The Power Theory And Its Application

3 study hours

•Read Unit 4: The Power Theory And Its Application.
•Explain the Power Theory.
•Critique the Power Theory.
•Explain the various dimensions of Power Theory.
•Analyze the elements of Power as they relate to conflict resolution.

Week

7

Module 2: Theories and Practice of International Relations

5h

Unit 5: Strategies, Theories And Practice For Defense And Security

5 study hours

•Read Unit 5: Strategies, Theories And Practice For Defense And Security.
•Explain the strategies for defense and security.
•Analyze the various theories of defense and security.
•Discuss the practices that enhance the defense and security.

Week

8

Module 3: Actors in the International System

6h

Unit 1: State Actors In International Relations

3 study hours

•Read Unit 1: State Actors In International Relations.
•Describe state actors in international relations.
•Analyze roles of state actors in international relations.

Unit 2: Alliance System, Balance Of Power And Collective Security

3 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Alliance System, Balance Of Power And Collective Security.
•Explain the meaning of Alliance system and Balance of Power.
•Interrogate Alliance System in security system.
•Analyze the role of Balance of Power in Collective Security.

Week

9

Module 3: Actors in the International System

6h

Unit 3: Non-State Actors In International System

3 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Non-State Actors In International System.
•Explain the meaning of non-state actors.
•Interpret the roles of Non-State Actors in International System.

Unit 4: Dispositions To International Personalities

3 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Dispositions To International Personalities.
•Analyze the attributes of an international personality.
•Evaluate the contributions of international personalities to international relations and security.

Week

10

Module 4: Power Relations in the International System

6h

Unit 1: Political Power in International Relations

3 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Political Power in International Relations.
•Explain the concept of political power.
•Analyze the place of political power in international system and security.
•Explain the role of Soft Power and Hard Power in international system.

Unit 2: Economic Power In International Relations

3 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Economic Power In International Relations.
•Describe Economic Power as it relates to International Relations.
•Explain the link between globalization and Economic Power.
•Analyze the role played by Economic power in international system and security.
•Discuss the parameters used in measuring the economic strength of a nation.

Week

11

Module 4: Power Relations in the International System

6h

Unit 3: Socio-Cultural Power in International System

3 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Socio-Cultural Power in International System.
•Explain the meaning of socio-cultural Power.
•Assess the roles of socio-cultural power in international system.

Unit 4: Military Competency In The International System

3 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Military Competency In The International System.
•Explain the concept of the military in international relations.
•Appraise the roles of the military in promoting International System.
•Appraise the capabilities of the military in international system.

Week

12

Module 5: Contemporary Global Security

6h

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Global Security

3 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Fundamentals of Global Security.
•Explain the meaning of Global Security.
•Analyze the features of Global Security.
•Analyze the various goals of Contemporary Global Security.

Unit 2: Contemporary Security Threats

3 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Contemporary Security Threats.
•Examine the meaning and value of contemporary security threats.
•Analyze the characteristics of security threats.
•Explain the issues that constitute security threats.

Week

13

Module 5: Contemporary Global Security

6h

Unit 3: Diplomacy in International Relations

3 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Diplomacy in International Relations.
•Explain the concept of diplomacy.
•Analyze the types and function of diplomacy in international relations.
•Evaluate the roles of diplomacy in international relations especially during war time.

Unit 4: The Nature And Character Of Terrorism

3 study hours

•Read Unit 4: The Nature And Character Of Terrorism.
•Explain the concept of Terrorism.
•Analyze the characteristics of Terrorism.
•Analyze the Terrorism Acts in international system.
•Appraise international wars against terrorism.

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

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

2

Create concept maps linking different modules and units.

3

Practice applying theories to real-world scenarios and case studies.

4

Review tutor-marked assignments and feedback.

5

Allocate sufficient time for revision and exam preparation.

6

Focus on understanding the relationships between different actors and their roles.

7

Practice answering multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions.

8

Pay attention to contemporary security threats and their implications.

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