IR4583 The International Relations of Outer Space

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

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

Tues 10am-12pm Thurs 10am-12pm

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

Module coordinator

Dr A S Bower

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

Module Staff

Dr Adam Bower

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

Module description

Outer space is central to life on Earth. Access to space is rapidly expanding, with a growing number of states and commercial operators involved in space launch and myriad satellite applications, as well as emerging opportunities for space mining, tourism, and even human habitation on the Moon or Mars. As such, outer space is inextricably implicated in the social, political, economic, and legal processes that characterise relations within and between communities. This module examines outer space as a key domain for contemporary global politics through a bi-focal approach. It applies International Relations theories and concepts to assess current and future operations in Earth orbit and beyond. Equally, it uses space activities to examine key themes including great power rivalries, the nature of power and (in)security, the development and impact of law, the interaction of state and non-state forms of agency, and the potential transformation of sovereignty and political identity.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 2-hour seminar (x 10 weeks); 0.5-hour of pre-recorded lecture material (x 10 weeks) In Week 11, all students will convene for a three-hour research workshop where they will present their final research projects

Scheduled learning hours

28

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

Guided independent study hours

272

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • A diligent student completing the requirements of this module will acquire: > A basic understanding of the physical features of outer space, properties of orbit, and principles of space flight;
  • > Knowledge of the range of spacefaring actors and activities;
  • > Knowledge of the legal, normative, and organisational structures that characterise contemporary international space governance;
  • > An appreciation for the complex interplay of competition and cooperation in space;
  • > Further opportunities to refine their research, writing, and presentation skills in various formats.