About the course

Building on the theoretical and empirical knowledge gained in the first semester, the aim of this course is to challenge students to become scientifically aware and able to apply appropriate methodology to relevant issues. In addition, this course will also expand students’ understanding of international systems and power structures in a historical context.

Course content

Module 1: The Evolution of the International System (7,5 credits)

The first module focuses on the origin and evolution of the contemporary/modern international system, covering historical events as well as relevant conceptual aspects. The module also focuses on the interplay between economy and politics from a global perspective.

Module 2: Regionalisation in the International System (7,5 credits)

The second module analyses the phenomenon of transnational regionalisation, and how research has tried to understand its emergence, operation, and on-going development. The main themes of the module are different strands of regionalism, the process of regionalization, and regional governance such as the European Union.

Module 3: Research and methods - GPS common method course (7,5 credits)

The aim of the module is to introduce the students to the essentials of methodology and methods in the social sciences and humanities. The module combines a theoretical approach to general questions of research and knowledge, with application to collecting and analysing empirical data. The module prepares the students for the minor thesis that follows immediately after this course.

Module 4: Minor thesis (7,5 credits)

The fourth module is an essay course, where the student shall write an individual minor thesis. This module is organized around group supervision in seminars where students are expected to present and discuss their minor thesis work, and critically discuss other students´ minor thesis work at various stages.

Syllabus and course literature

You can find a list of literature in the syllabus, along with other details about the course.

Entry requirements and selection

Entry requirements

International Relations I, 30 credits

Selection

University credits completed 100%

Course evaluation

Malmö University provides students who participate in, or who have completed a course, with the opportunity to express their opinions and describe their experiences of the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarise the results of course evaluations. The University will also inform participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures taken in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).

Contact

For more information about the education:

GPSstudent@mau.se