Politics, European Politics and International Relations

What is distinctive about Politics?

Politics affects our everyday life, whether it is the number of computers you have in your school or college or global questions such as the conflict in Iraq and global warming. Politics is at the centre of everybody's lives and studying Politics will help you gain an in-depth understanding of major political issues.

Studying Politics will  enable  you to answer questions such as:

• How are political decisions made in the UK and the wider world?
• Why do wars occur?
• What is Britain's role in Europe?
• What has devolution meant for Scotland?
• What do the important political thinkers say on today's global issues?

If you are interested in taking part in the debates that surround some of the answers to these questions then politics at Dundee is for you.

Each year we ask for comments about our courses and our staff from our students and here are some of the recent responses:

• 'up to date courses and friendly, approachable staff'
• 'enthusiastic teaching'
• 'enjoyable seminars with relaxed atmospheres which allows everyone to express their opinion'
• 'courses are relevant, challenging, varied and interesting'
• 'the course enables me to be able to understand things as they actually happen'

Politics has achieved high ratings for its teaching and the research the staff undertake into the ever-changing world of domestic and international politics. This is important, as it means that our students receive the best possible learning experience in politics and international relations and the most up-to-date information on current political debates.

Module Content

Level 1

Core: Politics and Public Policy - PO11001	Semester 1	Credits 20
This module looks at UK politics. It has three sections: Political and civil institutions in the UK. Who actually governs the UK and how? How we choose and influence our leaders and how civil society is maintained (e.g. law and order) UK public policy in action
Core: Changing World Order Since 1945 - AG12024	Semester 2	Credits 20
This module seeks to provide an understanding of the ways in which geographers, historians and political scientists work, and to offer a multidisciplinary study of world order since 1945. It will examine some of the major debates concerning the world order since 1945 with particular reference to the origins and impact of the Cold War and the dynamics of the post-Cold War international system.
Political Ideologies - PO12002	Semester 2	Credits 20
This module will provide you with a systematic introduction to the most important political ideologies. Through this module you will obtain an excellent grounding in the world views that have dominated politics across the world during the last two centuries. Topics covered include socialism, liberalism, conservatism, feminism, fascism, nationalism, environmentalism and Islamic political ideas.

Level 2

Core: International Relations - PO21001	Semester 1	Credits 20
This module introduces you to the structures and processes which underlie the relationships between states and other actors in the contemporary international system. It looks at: The international 'system': what it is and how it has developed How the political world 'works' through examining the competing international relations theories The processes that keep international relations 'moving': diplomacy, international law, international organisations and conflict
Core: Comparative Politics - PO22002	Semester 2	Credits 20
This module provides an introduction to the study of comparative politics. It explores areas such as power, political culture, party systems and political behaviour. It does this through the study of: Comparative methodology: how do we compare political systems? Two case studies (usually two of Russia, the USA and Spain)

Level 3

Study Abroad students may take level 3 modules, however, evidence of prior knowledge may be required in the form of transcripts. To find out more about this contact us.

Theorising Politics (Compulsory module for all MA Politics and MA International Relations students) - PO32005	Semester 2	Credits 30
This module will provide you with grounding in the important theoretical approaches to politics. This will provide you with the conceptual and theoretical underpinning for all other Level 3 and 4 modules within the Department. The module is in two sections: Empirical Theories of the Modern State The State and Social Justice

The optional modules in Level 3 reflect the specialities of our teaching staff. Modules currently available (these may change on a yearly basis) at Level 3 include:

Governing the USA - PO31002	Semester 1	Credits 30
This course aims to examine how American federal government operates and considers the relationship between the different aspects of government. It also analyses a range of issues in contemporary American politics (including abortion, the death penalty, the election in 2004, War powers and civil rights).
European Union Politics - PO32007	Semester 2	Credits 30
This module will provide you with an understanding of the development of the EU and its principle activities. It will look at the contemporary debates about the nature, origins and political dynamics of European integration.
Contemporary Politics in the UK - PI32009	Semester 2	Credits 30
This module considers UK politics from a range of perspectives. By the end of the module you will have developed an understanding of the internal and external dynamics (including devolution, globalisation, European integration) that represent potentially both a threat and an opportunity to the continuity of the UK.
Contemporary Politics in Ireland - PO31008	Semester 1	Credits 30
This module will introduce you to politics in Ireland, focusing on questions of power and policy-making. It includes sections on political culture and the party and electoral system. Although its primary focus is on the Republic of Ireland, the module also touches upon the conflict in Northern Ireland and its impact on the politics of the Republic.
The Making of Contemporary Africa - AG32001	Semester 2	Credits 30
This module will introduce you to the main themes of the recent history of sub-Saharan Africa and the continent's contemporary politics.
Politics of Transatlantic Relations - PO32003	Semester 2	Credits 30
This module examines the contemporary transatlantic alliance. Although it mainly focuses on security issues, it also considers the wider transatlantic relationship, including trade and environmental issues.
Russia and the ex-USSR - PO32004	Semester 2	Credits 30
This module will consider the politics of Russia and the states that comprised the USSR. It will consider Soviet politics from Gorbachev to the present day and includes looking at the prospects from the creation of a viable democracy in Russia.

Level 4

Study Abroad students may take level 4 modules, however, evidence of prior knowledge may be required in the form of transcripts. To find out more about this contact us.

All Single Honours Politics and MA International Relations and Politics students have to undertake a dissertation in Level 4. This is a research project on a subject of your choice. In addition to this, Single Honours Politics and Politics and International Relations students will take three other modules from the selection offered. Joint Honours students may undertake a dissertation if they choose to do so and, as in the third year, will take modules from Politics and their other department. The optional modules in Level 4 reflect the specialities of our teaching staff. Modules currently on offer at Level 4 include:

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US Foreign Policy since 1945 - PO41002	Semester 1	Credits 30
This course will explain the formation and execution of US foreign policy since 1945. The course will end by analysing the challenges of the future and different interpretations of US foreign policy after the Cold War.
International Peacekeeping - PO41004	Semester 1	Credits 30
This module will introduce you to the theories and concepts of international peacekeeping. It will provide you with a clear sense of what peacekeeping is - and what it is not.
Environmental Politics - PO42005	Semester 2	Credits 30
This module aims to examine major environmental issues (such as global warming and loss of biodiversity) within fields central to political science (such as moral and political philosophy, comparative politics, political economy and international relations).
Scottish Politics - PO42003	Semester 2	Credits 30
This module will provide a context within which contemporary political developments in Scotland can be understood. It will include a historical overview of the governance of Scotland, along with an examination of the governmental institutions of Scotland and their relationship with bodies such as the UK government and the EU.
Gender, Power and Sexuality - PO42001	Semester 2	Credits 30
This course aims to introduce you to a rapidly expanding area of social sciences – critical studies on gender and sexuality. Inspired by important contemporary research in women's studies, critical theories of masculinity, lesbian and gay studies, and sexual politics, the course treats gender and sexuality as social construction that needs to be explored, analysed and understood in a critical way.