PIM66-Contemporary Diplomacy

Module Provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and International Studies
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Sarah Von Billerbeck
Email: s.b.k.vonbillerbeck@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Through completion of a research project, supported through tutorial supervision, students will develop the capacity for independent research and critical analysis; deepen their knowledge of a specialised topic within their programme of study; and develop their ability to write an extended piece of analysis. This module is delivered at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø.

Aims:

• To introduce students to the evolution of diplomacy since the Second World War;


• To introduce students to several strands of international relations on which diplomacy touches (e.g. negotiations, coercion, international organisations, etc.)


• To introduce them to the main academic debates surrounding the subject;


• To get a sense of the divergence between theory and practice through exchanges with practitioners, where possible;


• To enable them to apply this knowledge gained to actual events, past or present, in IR to which diplomacy is or was relevant;


• To enable them to transfer this knowledge and the analytical skills to future careers requiring such skills.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Assessable outcomes
􀀕 To acquire a basic knowledge of the role of diplomatic relations in international affairs since 1945
􀀕 To obtain a scholarly understanding of major practices of the conduct of international relations.
􀀕 To engage with scholarly literature on the subject.
􀀕 To understand the overlap of diplomacy with political, cultural, economic, ethical, and ideological dimension of international relations.
􀀕 Proficient research, analysis, and writing skills< br />

Additional outcomes:
􀀕 Good skills in oral presentations, including PowerPoint, of researched topics
􀀕 Acquisition of new competences or enhancement of existing competences in this area.
􀀕 Achievement of career-enhancing analytical skills

Outline content:

Introduction to the key theoretical works on diplomacy.

• A comparison of theory and practice.

• An application of theoretical concepts to the analysis of Diplomacy in international relations.



Note that these topics are indicative only and are subject to change.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course is taught mainly by two-hour seminars. The seminars will comprise structured discussion of core themes following student presentations and/or debates. Students are expected to read widely and are expected to develop their knowledge of the subject through independent study combined with group work, which will inform the class discussions. Students will also submit one policy brief on a selected topic, in order to develop transferable skills.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1 Summative essay of 2,500 words (including footnotes and references but excluding bibliography)



1 Policy brief of 500 words

1 In-class presentation or group exercise including presentation slides and hand-out

In-class participation

Formative assessment methods:

1 Formative essay (1 x 750 words) for those following the Diplomacy Programme which does not count towards the overall mark.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: