IR5402 Analysis and Interpretation in International Political Theory

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 11

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

Group 1 – Fridays 10.00am to 12.00noon Group 2 – Fridays 1.00pm to 3.00pm

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

Module coordinator

Dr B G Tsokov

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

Module Staff

Dr Boris Tsokov

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 introduces students to the methods and interpretive approaches that can be taken in the study of international political theory. It surveys a range of approaches to critical analysis, each examined through the work of prominent representatives, and considers questions regarding the conceptual, historical and normative interpretation of political theory texts.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination =100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2-hour seminars.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Acquire an understanding of select contemporary approaches to political theory and IPT and of the major differences between them
  • A familiarity with how recent political theory has developed in response to both historical events and debates between different interpretive schools of thought
  • A grasp of the main theoretical concepts underlying the analysis and interpretation of theoretical texts and political phenomena, including human rights
  • An ability to critically analyze major contemporary approaches to the interpretation of political theory and political life