Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Analysis, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Master´s Programme in International and European Relations

Entry requirements

Applicants must, by the closing date for application, hold a bachelor's degree/kandidatexamen (equivalent for example a professional degree) of at least 180 ECTS credits in Political Science, Economics, History, Sociology or another discipline relevant for the course. In-depth study of at least 90 ECTScredits (3 semesters of full-time study) in the major subject is required, including a paper corresponding to approximately 10 weeks of study (15 ECTS). Documented knowledge of English equivalent to Engelska B/Engelska 6.

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to

• display a deeper understanding of the history of diplomacy and how the development of diplomatic practices has been affected by and in turn has affected the conditions of international relations and foreign policy;
• analyze and understand diplomacy as an instrument of statecraft and as an institution of historical and contemporary international society;
• identify and understand the various forms and expressions of diplomacy in the contemporary world;
• analyze and understand processes of international mediation and negotiations from a theoretical as well as practical point of view.

Course content

Modern diplomacy is a variable field of actors, objectives, resources and strategies of international politics. This course offers an overview as well as deepened perspectives on the roles and forms of diplomacy in the contemporary international system. The ends and means of diplomacy are thus situated within a wider framework of foreign policy analysis. The course initially deals with the history and development of diplomacy and various traditions of foreign policy analysis. The latter part of the course focuses on understanding contemporary diplomatic practices, e.g. multilateral diplomacy and international negotiations, mediation, and public diplomacy.

Teaching and working methods

The course offers lectures which introduce and develop the content of the course. Lectures are complementary to the literature. Seminars and workshops are important aspects of the learning process and provide opportunities for mutual, critical discussions which develop attitudes and skills. Students are expected to be well prepared for lectures and to have completed assigned preparations for seminars. Students are expected to read and take in the literature independently and/or in self-organized reading groups. Language of instruction is English.

Activities which constitute elements of examination are mandatory.

Examination

The course is examined through a combination of mandatory seminars, group assignment, an individual seminar paper, and an individual home examination at the end of the course.
Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s study guide.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Department