What will I learn on this module?
In this module you will be introduced to, understand and analyse patterns and processes of political globalization and the role of different actors that contribute to political globalization. Actors include the nation-state, non-state actors, and international organizations. You will learn how these different actors interact to create complementing and competing processes in a globalizing world. Thematic areas that you will study may include: international law, global governance, human rights, development, inequality, global commons, global democracy, and global activism.
How will I learn on this module?
You will be responsible for your own learning guided by the lectures, seminars, and the material provided in the module handbook. To make effective use of contact time with your module tutor you will consistently attend lecture and seminars and cover the weekly reading. In order to understand theories and concepts as well as their application to thematic areas, you will engage with the academic literature and participate in the tasks set by the lecturer, including group work, presentations, and debates.
This will prepare you for the assessment of this module, which consists of a 2000-word essay and an assessed (group) presentation. These different assessment types will also allow you to develop and be tested on different skills sets.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your academic development will be facilitated through engagement with the academic literature and by talking with peers and academics about your understanding of the literature. You are expected to critically evaluate your pre-conceived notions that you might have in the light of the literature and debates during lectures and seminars. You will read beyond the material provided in the module handbook in order to widen and deepen the scope of my understanding of academic debates.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the different theories explaining global processes and, based on this, the multitude actors populating the field of international politics
2. Understand the role of Britain, including government and non-government organizations, in global politics
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Present your work through group work, critical debate, and summative assessment
4. Apply critical judgment to theories and arguments presented by the academic literature, politicians, media and others to engage with confidence in the discourse of around processes of globalization
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Value curiosity and challenge pre-conceived notions of processes of international politics
How will I be assessed?
All MLOs will be addressed:
By summative assessment: 2000-word essay, and (group) presentation, and in addition, formative debates in the class and group work will facilitate critical knowledge and understanding of the subject matter as well as foster cooperation.
Pre-requisite(s)
n/a
Co-requisite(s)
n/a
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
UCAS Code L2L2
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Social Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025 or September 2026
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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