IR4575 Queer IR, Queering Global Politics

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

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 10

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.

Planned timetable

Mon 12 noon - 1pm and Tues 10am - 12 noon

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

Module coordinator

Dr J R McMullin

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

Module Staff

Dr J McMullin

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

Module description

The module situates LGBTQ citizens in global politics, analysing their multiple identities and positions in International Relations as targets of violence, as activists, and as good/unruly citizens. The module also applies queer theoretical concepts (performativity, embodiment, abjection, abnormality, & perversity) to critique IR's homophobic, heteronormative assumptions. The module is intersectional and multi-disciplinary and queers ways of learning about IR, including what is normal/abnormal in politics and thinkable/unthinkable politically. Each week, we develop diverse queer readings of different case studies and topics, including queer approaches to foreign policy analysis, war, genocide, political protest, and global health. The module also features student-led film and book discussion groups to apply queer theory to topics and themes of homosexual inclusion and exclusion in popular culture. Students of all backgrounds, gender identities, & sexualities welcome!

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks), 1.5-hour seminar (x 10 weeks), and 1-hour student book/film discussion group (x 11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

25

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

Guided independent study hours

276

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Cultivate clear and multi-disciplinary understanding and knowledge of queer theories (plural);
  • Develop ability to situate queer theory alongside other theoretical strands, including feminism, post-/de-colonialism, and critical theory;
  • Foster an understanding of the relevance and potential applications of queer theory to the terminology, concepts, theories, and practices of the discipline of IR;
  • Acquire familiarity with key queer cultural and literary texts, and develop skills of critical textual analysis and queer reading;
  • Hone discourse analysis research and writing skills;
  • Forge theoretical and practical connections between global processes/structures and everyday political life and subjectivity.