6 ECTS credits
150 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 4022157ENR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.

Semester
2nd semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
English
Faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences & SolvayBusinessSchool
Department
Political Science
Educational team
Jonathan Holslag (course titular)
Activities and contact hours

33 contact hours Lecture
117 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study
Course Content

The focus of this course is on recent international affairs, so, roughly, the events that unfolded in the last few years. It aims at in-depth knowledge of the foreign policy of major actors in contemporary world politics, like China, the United States, Russia, India, as well as the situation in key regions, like the Asia-Pacific, South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, and the state of key international organizations, like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. The precise focus, given the need to keep track of recent evolutions, varies from year to year.

Additional info

This course builds on the "History of International Relations", "European History", "Theory of International Relations", and "Contemporary Issues of International Politics". Students who have not passed for these four courses, because they were enrolled in a different bachelor programme, for example, should at least read the textbooks for "History of International Relations" and "Contemporary Issues of International Politics".  In addition, students are expected to have a strong command of English (TOEFL 80+). Students should also be able to summarize text into schemes. Students should be able to read academic texts and to have a conversation in English. They should have the attitude to avidly follow news about international politics and to independently attend off campus events related to politics.

Course Materials

Different readings: books, scientific articles, reports, etc.

PowerPoint slides.

Additional info

It is key that you come to class prepared. Your input in the discussions will be followed by the supervisors. This course counts for 6 study points, which equals about 150 working hours for a student that meets the prerequisites, or about one day per week plus the exam period. Besides class and the mandatory readings, you will be expected to attend several other events off campus and to develop an individual portfolio that includes at least one relevant book review, one opinion article, two reports of events, ten annotated newspaper articles, and one annotated academic article. 

Learning Outcomes

Algemene competenties

Students are able to:

  • discuss the recent diplomatic history of the major powers;
  • discuss the domestic drivers of foreign policy of the major powers;
  • discuss the key actors and organization of foreign policy of the major powers;
  • discuss the main focus of their foreign and security;
  • discuss the impact of the major powers on world politics.

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Oral Exam with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 100% of the final mark.

Additional info regarding evaluation

Not applicable.

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Political Science: European and International Governance: Standaard traject