IE0250 Foundation International Relations

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

5

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 6

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Only available to students on IE International Foundation Programmes.

Planned timetable

To be arranged

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr N M Cott

Dr N M Cott
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Nicholas Cott

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module is designed to introduce international students to the study of IR. Specifically, it seeks to introduce students to the ways in which major scholars and schools of thought, both historical and contemporary, have theorized about the dynamics of international relations. This module aims to: examine the key concepts of international relations and global politics; survey several of the predominant theories of international relations (especially Realism, Liberalism and Constructivism); and familiarize students with academic essay writing and sub-honours work in this discipline.

Assessment pattern

1-hour Written Examination = 100%

Re-assessment

1-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 lectures (x 6 weeks) ; 1 tutorial (x 6 weeks). 1.5 hours of scheduled revision week session

Scheduled learning hours

19

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

30

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Identify and explain some of the major ways in which scholars and schools of thought have theorized about International Relations (SCQF7.1; SCQF7.2; CEFR B2)
  • Demonstrate ability to use language fluently and spontaneously, including using terminology relevant to the discipline of International Relations (CEFR B2)
  • Construct a clear, coherent, well-supported argument based on primary and secondary sources (CEFR B2; SCQF6.4)
  • Implement feedback received on formative assessments on the final exam (SCQF7.5)