This course examines the ways in which foreign policy is conducted in a variety of countries. It will examine a number of theoretical and historical perspectives, examine the variety of goals, actors, institutions, and cultural contexts that contribute to foreign policymaking, and analyse themes across a number of case studies.

2 hour seminar held weekly for 10 weeks.

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Class students will be required to write two essays (2,500 words) each worth 50% of the final grade

■ To provide an in-depth overview of the main traditions of analysing foreign policy

■ To critically assess the main theoretical approaches in the study of foreign policy.

■ To critically evaluate the key differences and similarities of policy formation across a number of country case studies.

■ To analyse the relationship between the theoretical and practical aspects of foreign policymaking.

By the end of the course, students are expected to:

■ Demonstrate firm knowledge of main theoretical approaches to the study of foreign policy.

■ Demonstrate firm knowledge of main actors, institutions, and cultural factors that contribute to foreign policy making.

■ Be able to critique existing approaches to the study of foreign policy.

■ Demonstrate an understanding of the links between theoretical and practical aspects of foreign policy.

■ Demonstrate reasoned and factually supported arguments both orally and writing.

Completion of a minimum of 75 percent of summative assessment elements