Samuel_smith

This package encompasses all the topics that are covered within the core modules of the 1st year of a politics and international relations degree at the University of Reading. This package provides a detailed view of these modules and will provide a solid base of understanding for any student of politics as well as being a useful revision tool.

This course focuses on two kinds of debate: normative debates about how we should act as citizens and respond to certain social forces in contemporary society; and conceptual debates about the meaning of some prominent terms in political rhetoric and discourse. It is split into four main themes: authority and obligation, freedom, democracy and social justice and equality. Whilst this course draws its material largely from the linked textbook - included within is also other readings that are rele...

The module is intended to open students’ eyes to how democracy works or doesn’t work around the world today. The first section on the Origins of Democracy looks globally at where democratic and non-democratic systems exist and what factors determine this distribution. Later sections draw much of their empirical content from the UK, but also include comparisons beyond the UK where appropriate. Whilst, the bulk of information is drawn from the linked textbook - included within the module is th...

The module introduces some of the key concepts in world politics: states, anarchy, power, and interest. This broad conceptual framework is linked to a discussion of the three main theories of international relations: realism, liberalism, and constructivism. The module also evaluates arguments about the centrality and utility of the use of force in dealing with security and strategic problems by asking: Why do states go to war? What is strategy and how does it link to warfare? Is it useful to dif...

The module introduces some of the key concepts in world politics: states, anarchy, power, and interest. This broad conceptual framework is linked to a discussion of the three main theories of international relations: realism, liberalism, and constructivism. The module also evaluates arguments about the centrality and utility of the use of force in dealing with security and strategic problems by asking: Why do states go to war? What is strategy and how does it link to warfare? Is it useful to di...