War in International Politics (L2138)
War in International Politics
Module L2138
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Module Outline
War is a violent expression of international politics which causes thousands of deaths each year. It is, therefore, integral that we study war to make it more humane and less common.
In the discipline of International Relations there are different perspectives on how and why war occurs.
This module takes you through different perspectives on different conflicts, from interstate war to civil war to insurgencies and beyond.
We also consider some developments that are taking place in warfare, e.g. the introduction of drones or the violent potential of cyberattacks, and how these affect war.
Module learning outcomes
Develop a critical understanding of how war has been conceptualised over time.
Apply knowledge and understanding of various theories of war to contemporary and historical challenges in international relations.
Analyse and evaluate various approaches to the study of war as described by various thinkers.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (1500 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Thu 16:00 | 70.00% |
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Essay | T1 Week 7 | 33.33% |
| Test | T1 Week 11 (20 minutes) | 66.67% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Workshop | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Melanie Richter-Montpetit
Assess convenor
/profiles/349663
Dr Lindsay Clark
Convenor
/profiles/578582
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.

