Programme Description
The course will provide a critical understanding of key developments and issues in contemporary world politics for students with no prior background in international relations. Focusing on the period since the end of the Cold War, an era defined by rapid institutional innovation and development, as well as a number of emergent global issues, problems and policy dilemmas, the course locates these in the context of north-south relations. Treating the international system as a dynamic whole, it examines how issues that have become central in international politics including ‘failed states’, nuclear proliferation, armed conflict and terrorism, democratisation, pandemics and the Arab Spring are intimately linked to expanding efforts since the mid-20th century to generate a liberal world order. In doing so it provides analysis of the roles played in contemporary world politics by leading members of the ‘international community’ such as the United States, the European Union, ‘rising’ non-western states China, India and Brazil, non-state actors such as NGOs, transnational corporations and armed groups, and international financial and other institutions.
Specific topics investigated include the centrality of the United States to the post-Cold War international order; the diverse north-south interventions associated with civil wars, terrorism, securitized development and peacebuilding; the rise of global resistance movements (from Seattle to Occupy and the Arab Spring); the politics of migration (refugees, diasporas and workers); the role of transnational corporations in the global political economy; and emergent patterns in the management of global health and the environment. By the end of the course students should expect to have developed a layered and nuanced account of contemporary world politics by which to analyse concrete issues and policies as they impact the global north and south, and the hierarchical relations between them.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, a student should be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- Apply international relations theory to explain key developments and events in contemporary world politics
- Demonstrate critical knowledge of contemporary global policy frameworks, such as globalization, neoliberalism and the Global War on Terror
- Demonstrate critical knowledge of key institutional and organizational developments in world politics since the end of the Cold War.
Credits
Students are usually able to obtain credits from their home institution and typically our courses receive 3 credits in the US system and 7.5 ECTS in the European system. If you intend to claim credits from your home institution, please check the requirements with them before you enrol. We will be happy to assist you in any way we can, however please be aware that the decision to award credits rests with your home institution.
Assessment will be optional and will vary for each course. Participants will be provided with a certificate of attendance and Record of Study will be available on request.
Enquiries
For more information, please fill out our enquiry form
Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings
Start of programme: 22 July - 9 August 2019
Mode of Attendance: Full-time
Entry requirements
- A university student or a graduate at the time of attending the summer school, and 18+ years of age. Professional experience can be acknowledged as equivalent to a university qualification.
- duration:
- 3 weeks
Tuition Fees 2019
- Tuition fee:
- £1,600
Programme structure:
Week 1
- Introduction: Globalisation, Neoliberalism and the State
- Interventions I: Democracy, Peace and Markets
- Interventions II: New Wars, terrorism and Securitised Development
- The Rise of China and the Future of the International System
Week 2
- Safer World? Nuclear proliferation and other dangers
- Money and Power: Corporations, finance and regulation
- Global Health: pandemics, food and drugs
Week 3
- Migration: refugees, workers and diasporas
- Environmental Politics
- Politics of Resistance: Seattle to the Arab Spring
Assessment: is optional and will be in the form of a 2000-2500 word essay to be handed in 2 weeks after the end of the course.
Important notice
The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. If you are a current student you can find structure information on the previous year link at the top of the page or through your Department. Please read the important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.
Teaching & Learning
Contact hours:
46 hours (lectures, tutorials, activities). The course will be delivered Monday - Friday over the 3 weeks.
Core hours:
Monday - Friday, 10am-3pm. In addition to regular lectures and tutorials, each course is composed of a range of activities relating to their academic content (e.g. museum visit, company visit etc).
Tuition Fees
£1,600
Application fee
A one-off, non-refundable application fee of £40 will be charged to cover administration costs. Please visit the SOAS online store to make your application fee payment.
Discounts
20% discount for our partner institutions
Accommodation
Accommodation is available to Summer School students at the SOAS halls of residence, Dinwiddy House. For more details of how to book a room please visit the Dinwiddy House accommodation page.
Scholarships
The SOAS Academic Summer School is delighted to offer three tuition-fee waiver scholarships to passionate students with a desire to make a difference in the world.
The scholarships will cover the tuition fee for one Academic Summer School course in 2019.
Application Deadline: 2019-04-12 00:00
For further details and information on external scholarships visit the Scholarships section
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
In order to join the Academic Summer School, students should meet the following entry requirements:
- A university student or a graduate at the time of attending. Professional experience can be acknowledged as equivalent to a university qualification.
- Participants must be 18 or over at the time of attendance.
- Fluency in English language is recommended for non-credit courses, but essential for SOAS Accredited courses. Proficiency can be demonstrated through:
- IELTS, 6.5 overall or higher, with at least 6 in all sub scores.
- TOEFL Paper based test we require a minimum of 583 with minimum 53 in all skills and for TOEFL Internet Based Test we require a minimum of 93 with minimum 20 in all skills.
- Pearson Test of English a score of 59-64
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) Grade B
- If you have studied in an English speaking institution, or have courses taught at your university in English (excluding English language courses) you may meet our requirements without having to supply a certificate. Evidence of this will either need to be included on a transcript or letter from your university.
- If you are unsure whether you meet the above entry requirements, please contact us to discuss your application.
Enrolment of applicants who do not meet the entry requirements is at the discretion of SOAS – please get in touch to speak to us about your application and we will be happy to help.
Application Procedure
Once you have paid the £40 application fee and submitted the online application form, you will be informed as to whether you have a place on the summer school within 5 working days. Please do not pay your tuition fee prior to having received your offer letter.
Application Deadline
Applications now accepted on a rolling basis for all courses
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