International Relations And Security
- Social Sciences
- 400 level
- 3 credit units
- 216 pages
- 21 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 46 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study, problem solving
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PCR417, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PCR417 · Unit 1: International System: Growth And Development
The emergence of the Realists School enhanced the development of scientific theories to explain international phenomena. Information and communication technological revolution, the interdependence of people, and the emergence of new nation-states contributed significantly to the growing interest in the global system.
What you should be able to do
- Analyze basic concepts in International Relations and Security
- Generate policies for addressing core issues relating to International Relations and Security
- Convert strategies into real-life phenomena
- Demonstrate empirical knowledge pertaining to International Relations and Security
- Apply theories to real-world scenarios
- Evaluate the roles of different actors in the international system
What it prepares you for
- Conflict Resolution Specialist
- Diplomat
- Security Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- International Relations Officer
- Government
- International Organizations
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Security Sector
- Diplomacy
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Theories and Practice of International Relations
Unit 1: Integration Theories And The Application
Requires understanding of advanced integration concepts and their practical implications.
- Module 2: Theories and Practice of International Relations
Unit 2: System Theories And The Application
Requires understanding of complex system dynamics and their application to international relations.
- Module 5: Contemporary Global Security
Unit 4: The Nature And Character Of Terrorism
Requires understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of modern terrorism.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 70 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Course Overview
Course Guide · 3 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 2Module 1: Evolution of International System
Unit 1: International System: Growth And Development · 4 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 3Module 1: Evolution of International System
Unit 2: The Practice of Economic Relations in International Affairs · 4 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 4Module 1: Evolution of International System
Unit 3: Introduction to International Law · 3 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 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 5Module 2: Theories and Practice of International Relations
Unit 1: Integration Theories And The Application · 3 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 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 6Module 2: Theories and Practice of International Relations
Unit 3: The Balance Of Power Theories · 3 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 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 7Module 2: Theories and Practice of International Relations
Unit 5: Strategies, Theories And Practice For Defense And Security · 5 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 8Module 3: Actors in the International System
Unit 1: State Actors In International Relations · 3 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 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 9Module 3: Actors in the International System
Unit 3: Non-State Actors In International System · 3 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 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 10Module 4: Power Relations in the International System
Unit 1: Political Power in International Relations · 3 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 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 11Module 4: Power Relations in the International System
Unit 3: Socio-Cultural Power in International System · 3 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 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 12Module 5: Contemporary Global Security
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Global Security · 3 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 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 13Module 5: Contemporary Global Security
Unit 3: Diplomacy in International Relations · 3 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 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..
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 theories to real-world scenarios and case studies.
- Review tutor-marked assignments and feedback.
- Allocate sufficient time for revision and exam preparation.
- Focus on understanding the relationships between different actors and their roles.
- Practice answering multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions.
- Pay attention to contemporary security threats and their implications.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PCR417 about?
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.
How many units does PCR417 have?
PCR417, International Relations And Security, has 21 units across 5 modules, over 216 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PCR417?
PCR417 carries 3 credit units, at 400 level in Social Sciences.
Is PCR417 hard?
PCR417 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, case study and problem solving work.
How long does PCR417 take to study?
About 46 hours of study, spread across its 21 units.
How is PCR417 assessed?
PCR417 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with PCR417?
Conflict Resolution Specialist, Diplomat, Security Analyst, Policy Advisor and International Relations Officer.