IR4585 Politics of Secession

Academic year

2024 to 2025 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

Thurs 10am-12pm

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

Module coordinator

Dr D Muro

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

Module Staff

Dr Diego Muro

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

Module description

This course explores the emergence and resolution of separatist movements around the world—those groups of individuals who reject their continued membership in an existing sovereign state and instead claim the right to govern themselves. While we will be expansive in our focus, considering classic secessionist movements alongside movements for greater autonomy as well as irredentist movements, we will only investigate the dynamics of movements that have, at their core, some claim about political sovereignty. We will contrast the tactics of movements, from peaceful approaches in places like contemporary Quebec, Scotland or Catalonia, to violent insurrections in places like the Chechnya, Northern Ireland or South Sudan. Along the way, we will consider the ethical and legal arguments for and against secession as well as consider cases where separatist tendencies lead to accommodation within the national state rather than independence from it.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

One hour lecture (x10 weeks) and one hour tutorial (x10 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

44

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

Guided independent study hours

264

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Develop a critical understanding of secession and counter-secession within the context of a multidisciplinary approach to international relations
  • Evaluate historical and contemporary secessionist conflicts around the world and identify the cultural, economic and political root causes
  • Critically evaluate the policy, strategy and tactics of state responses as well as their effectiveness
  • Formulate clear and concise written arguments in a range of formats, supported by academic evidence.
  • Skills of literature search, the use of open source material, and an introduction to basic and principal elements of comparative analysis
  • Develop skills in research design and analysis using qualitative and quantitative techniques in IR.