The Politics of the United Nations module (PO31012)

The United Nations (UN) has significantly influenced international politics and addressed a variety of global legal, social, and environmental issues over several decades. The organisation as it exists today is markedly different from its inception in 1945.

In this module you will explore how the significance of the United Nations has evolved throughout its history.

This modules builds on from PO21001 International Relations. With that module as a basis, you will place the UN in the context of alternative theories of international behaviour. In doing so, you will explore the interplay between state-level national interest and multilateral cooperation through global organisation.

Another key area that you will examine is peace and security. This is central to the UN's original purposes. Your exploration of this topic will focus on the UN’s role as peacekeeper.

Finally, you will explore how to assess the UN's performance throughout its history. You will consider recurring criticisms of the organisation as well as potential avenues for reform.

What you will learn

In this module you will:

• understand the UN within a broader context
• learn how the UN fits into the wider landscape of international organisations and institutions
• explore key post-1945 events involving the UN
• analyse theories of international behaviour
• study the interplay of national interests and multilateral cooperation

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• understand the nature of the contemporary international system
• place the UN activities across the range of global security, legal, developmental and environmental concerns
• confidently pass judgements on the successes and failures of the UN system
• conduct effective discussions
• identify, retrieve and evaluate a range of sources and materials relevant to the study of the UN

Assignments / assessment

• essay (50%)
• essay on case study (40%)
• presentation (10%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• presentations,
• videos
• essay preparation
• podcasts
• prescribed (compulsory) student seminar readings
• two-hour seminar sessions
  • This will consist of a lecturer-led discussion of a pre-determined topic. It will also involve mini-lectures, buzz groups, and question-and-answer slots. In addition to this, there will also be student-led discussion of set texts and issues. This will incorporate brainstorming in pairs, debates within sub-groups, and class discussion
• talks/podcasts by invited speakers