This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The aim of this course is to achieve an analytical understanding of global governance and international organizations. More specifically, the course aims to deepen the students':
- contextual understanding of the history of international organizations;
- understanding of theories explaining actor behavior and policy outcomes in the context of international organizations and global governance;
- analytical and practical understanding of various global governance fora and policies;
- understanding of philosophical and normative accounts of global governance;
- understanding of strategies, norms and interests that drive the states and non-governmental actors in various global governance fora and policy areas (e.g. the United Nations, the WTO, the G7/G8/G20, global security governance, global economic governance, global development cooperation, etc.).
Total contact hours: 24
Private study hours: 176
Total study hours: 200
MA in International Relations
MA in European Public Policy
MA in International Political Economy
MA in Political Strategy and Communication
Essay, 3000 words (50%)
Exam, 2 hours (50%)
Reassessment methods: 100% coursework
Reading list (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
J. Timmons Roberts and Amy Bellone Hite (eds.) The Globalisation and Development Reader, Oxford, Blackwell 2007
Paul Taylor and A.J.R.Groom (eds.), The United Nations at the Millennium, London, Continuum, 2000
Rorden Wilkinson (ed.), The Global Governance Reader, London, Routledge, 2005
Ramesh Thakur, The United Nations, Peace and Security, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2006.
Alain Noel and Jean-Philippe Thérien: Left and Right in Global Politics, Cambridge University Press, 2008.
Rob Reinalda, Routledge History of International Organisations: From 1815 to the Present Day, London, Routledge, 2009.
Journal 'Global Governance'
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1: appreciate the different levels of analysis – international, domestic, regional, transnational – at which global policy is formulated; understand the different mechanisms of interest creation, articulation, and implementation at those different levels; and understand the relationship and interplay between them in the formulation of global policy
2: summarise and critically assess the dominant theories of policy making, from the local to the global.
3: understand and evaluate the relative merits of different approaches to global policy making in multilateral diplomacy, including the opportunities and limitations of each approach.
4: understand and analyse the emergence and development of global institutions and especially the United Nations system
5: assess the role of different actors in the policy process – civil society, governmental, inter-governmental organisations -, in particular the actors involved in the UN system;
6: apply theoretical perspectives to case studies in global governance
7: identify the practical and ethical problems and limits of international law, state sovereignty, and international justice with regard to key state and non-state practices in a global context
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1: work with theoretical knowledge and apply theory to practical issues
2: be aware of the ethical dimensions of the scholarly work done in their discipline in general as well as in their own work
3: undertake analysis of complex, incomplete or contradictory areas of knowledge and make carefully constructed arguments
4: have a level of conceptual understanding that will allow them to evaluate research, policies, and practices critically
5: be reflective and self-critical in their work
6: use the internet, bibliographic search engines, online resources, and effectively conduct research
7: engage in academic and professional communication with others
8: have independent learning ability required for further study or professional work
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
