Marbella International University Centre

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations

Enrolled in this Politics and International Relations programme, you will immerse yourself in an in-depth exploration of governmental mechanisms and the intricacies of global geopolitics.

You will scrutinize the intricate interplay between political institutions and the societies they govern, alongside the allocation of values and resources in diverse contexts, be it on a national or international scale.

Throughout your academic journey, you will progressively refine your aptitude for critical reading and constructive debates. The curriculum places significant emphasis on simulated diplomatic scenarios, fostering the enhancement of your prowess in constructing persuasive arguments and collaborating effectively within a team. These simulations also offer you the platform to translate the knowledge gained from theory-focused modules into practical application.

Level 4

Fall Semester

Modern Political Thought: This module will introduce students to the key themes, theories, and intellectuals within contemporary Western political philosophy. It commences with the philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero, progressing through Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Locke, and traversing the Enlightenment era, as well as encompassing the political philosophers and sociologists of the 19th century. The module further delves into the societal, political, and economic contexts that paved the way for the emergence of transformative political ideas that have shaped our society, and continue to do so.

Noteworthy focus is placed on the evolution of political ideologies, commencing with 19th-century liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and anarchism, and subsequently extending to the ideologies of nationalism, fascism, and communism in the 20th century. The module also introduces the concept of social change, alongside economic, demographic, and attitudinal shifts, as vehicles for comprehending how societal conditions wield an impact on political thought and changes, thereby aiding in the comprehension of the contemporary world we inhabit.

Theories of International Relations: This module initiates students into the spectrum of theoretical perspectives within global politics and international relations. Its purpose is to foster students' comprehension of the intricacies of international relations, while also highlighting the convergences and divergences among the various theoretical standpoints adopted in the realm of political investigation.

The module delves into discussions revolving around fundamental notions like structure, anarchy, power, and identity, accomplishing this by examining the central ideologies in this field, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, Gramscianism, feminism, post-structuralism, and post-colonialism. These ideologies will be scrutinized, contrasted, and interconnected, both within their historical context and within the broader framework of the subject.

Understanding Global Political Problems: This module serves as an introduction for students to the pivotal concepts in global politics, utilizing a sequence of case studies that delve into contemporary global challenges. It situates these issues within their historical and theoretical frameworks, encompassing aspects like the evolution of nation-states, the inception of international organizations, and the emergence of globalization.

The precise content of the sessions will hinge on the ongoing current affairs, yet for this year, the focus will encompass topics such as global migration, concerns about global inequality and poverty, transnationalism, the Syrian conflict within the context of orientalism and the Arab Spring, global terrorism, the rise of populism and far-right politics in Europe, as well as the predicaments arising from climate change.

Spring Semester

Political Systems: Within this module, students are introduced to the intricacies of political systems, political ideologies, and the realm of comparative politics. The module traces the evolution of representative democracy, commencing with its origins in Ancient Greece and its subsequent evolution through the British parliamentary system, the American and French Revolutions, and the emergence of nation-states in Europe. It engages in comparisons between parliamentary and presidential systems, delves into the distinctions between first-past-the-post and proportional representation electoral systems, and contrasts single-party and bi-party setups against multi-party coalition administrations.

Furthermore, the module undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the contrast between liberal democracies and their alternatives, encompassing hybrid states, absolute monarchies, and authoritarian and totalitarian regimes. It also scrutinizes the disparities between Western democracies and post-colonial state nations. Additionally, it examines the worldwide adoption of representative political systems, evaluating the extent of their legitimacy and their interplay with the political culture of the state, whether it be European, Muslim, post-communist, or post-colonial.

US Politics in an International Context: This module intends to acquaint students with the domestic and international politics of the United States. Commencing with a historical foundation and adopting an institutional perspective, complemented by case studies, this module will scrutinize the progressive transformation of the United States' role on the global political, economic, and military fronts, within the rapidly shifting global landscape, spanning from the aftermath of World War II to the contemporary era.

It will probe the intricate interplay of cultural, racial, and religious dynamics that mould American domestic politics, which in turn significantly influence its decision-making mechanisms. This encompasses an exploration of power distribution between the executive and legislative branches of government, the roles of governmental agencies, as well as the involvement of corporate and civil society entities.

Media, Culture and Society: The objective of this module is to explore the interface between media, arts, and politics. Essentially, the module delves into the emergence of press freedoms within the context of European liberal politics, subjecting its paradoxes and strains to a critical analysis. The module pivots around theories about the media's influence and its corresponding role in the ideological sphere of art and culture. It encompasses scrutiny of how cultural considerations can both curtail and enhance media freedom, to comprehend the boundaries of censorship, both in terms of state regulation and cultural assimilation. Moreover, the module investigates the political ramifications of digital and social media platforms.

Level 5

Fall Semester

British and European Politics: The primary objective of this module is to cultivate the comprehension of current British and European politics among our students. The focus will be on political systems, fostering an appreciation of the intricate interplay between diverse tiers of political frameworks and hierarchies. This pertains not only to Britain's internal dynamics but also encompasses the international interactions between major European nations, along with political mechanisms like the European Union.

Identity Politics: This module prompts students to critically evaluate aspects associated with identity within the realm of politics and international relations. It cultivates an understanding of concepts and methodologies linked to identity politics, encompassing themes like gender and sexuality, race and racism, class and culture, nationalism, religion, ethnicity, LGBT, disability, equality, power, discrimination, domination, and oppression. Furthermore, students will be introduced to political subjects and movements encompassing identity politics, ranging from feminism and intersectionality to right-wing populism, postcolonialism, antisemitism, islamophobia, political correctness, the #MeToo movement, no-platforming, and safe spaces.

International Institutions and Policies: Since the conclusion of World War II, international organizations have risen as significant players within the global framework. Ongoing discussions within academic and policy spheres revolve around the reasons behind the existence of international organizations, their significance in global politics, and their effectiveness in tackling global issues. The objective of this module is to cultivate an advanced theoretical and practical grasp of international organizations (IOs) and their primary policies within the international arena.

By the module's conclusion, students should be proficient in articulating the leading interpretations within international relations that account for the presence of IOs, the nature of their policy initiatives, the controversies encompassing IOs within the realm of international relations theory, and the key strengths and challenges faced by IOs in the pursuit of their objectives.

Spring Semester

Working in Political and International Contexts: This module encompasses both theoretical and experiential facets, providing students with the means to scrutinize and critically assess theories and concepts in Politics and International Relations within practical contexts. It stimulates students to cultivate an in-depth comprehension of organization-specific concepts and theories pertinent to their chosen domain. A mandatory minimum of 30 hours of experiential learning within an organization is required. Guidance will be furnished regarding the theoretical frameworks to be examined during placements, and seminars tackling key theories in the field will be conducted.

The experiential learning itself will adopt a participant observation approach. The module actively encourages students to reflect on and advance towards their career aspirations, empowering them to concentrate on attaining and showcasing the pertinent skills sought by their prospective employers and future training providers.

The Politics of Asia, Africa and Latin America: This module is centred on the prevailing significant matters within Asia, Latin America, and Africa concerning the domain of Politics and International Relations. The historical and theoretical underpinnings of these matters encompass the interplay between the state and civil society, the intricacies of clientelism, as well as the dimensions encompassing religion, nationalism, democracy, and authoritarianism.

Additionally, the role of NGOs and international interventions will be probed, where relevant, within the context of regional international relations dynamics. To facilitate this exploration, students will be introduced to the methodologies suitable for comparative political analysis. By the module's conclusion, students will have the ability to employ conceptual frameworks to analyze contemporary occurrences encompassing democracy, authoritarianism, clientelism, and similar topics pertinent to issues in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

Research Methods: This module will provide students with an introductory understanding of the fundamental obstacles and complexities associated with conducting scientific research in the field of Politics and International Relations. Its primary aim is to equip students with the foundational knowledge and competencies required to embark on a research project for their final-year undergraduate dissertation. The module imparts initial insights and proficiencies in devising, planning, and interpreting research pertinent to politics and international relations.

It entails an exploration of the practical and philosophical challenges inherent in social science research, along with the practical formulation of research questions. The module offers an overview of a diverse array of research methods, the assorted types of data they yield, and the various methodologies for analyzing such data. Particular emphasis is placed on crafting research inquiries while considering the methodological approaches that best facilitate their resolution. By the module's culmination, students will possess an enhanced awareness of the intricacies entailed in conducting research within the realm of Politics and International Relations, along with a recognition of the constraints these complexities impose on research endeavours.

Level 6

Fall Semester

Contemporary Political Theory: This module will familiarize students with the research focal points of the department's lecturers, affording them the chance to shape the module content in alignment with these research pursuits. Additionally, students will explore the interconnection between these research interests and prevailing concerns within the realms of politics and international relations.

Conflict Resolution, Crisis Management and Diplomacy: The objective of this module is to involve students in the practical diplomatic procedures employed for conflict resolution and crisis management. Initial exploration will encompass concepts like conflict, crisis, conflict resolution, and crisis management within the global context, encompassing an examination of the dynamic evolution of modern conflicts.

Spring Semester

Political Sociology: This module offers students an introduction to the realm of political sociology. Over the past two decades, the boundaries of this interdisciplinary field have been defined. The module's content bridges enduring political themes, such as power, with broader social institutions like family, religion, and media. Participants in this module will delve into Luke's renowned work on power, forming a foundation for exploring the confluence of politics and civil society. Potential subjects for discussion encompass Weber, bureaucracy, charismatic leadership, ideology, political violence, terrorism, the notion of revolution, totalitarianism, and emerging social movements.

International Human Rights: This module will investigate the evolution of human rights theory, encompassing both pre and post-the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. The progression of rights-based arguments from Thomas Paine to present-day theories will be examined, along with the augmentation of rights within international law, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and other global human rights agreements. Additional topics encompass the rights of indigenous populations and matters about global development and social equity.

Upon completion of your degree, potential career paths could lead you to opportunities within international organizations, local and national government, corporate sectors, or the media, assuming roles such as:

• Political researcher
• Political analyst
• News journalist
• Editor

Marbella Internation University Centre takes with great pride in being the only university in the Costa del Sol region that offers British-accredited BA and MA programmes entirely taught in English through our exclusive partnership with the university of West London, UK.