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, thus treating the international system as a dynamic whole, as it examines how issues that have become central in international politics %E2%80" including %E2%80%98failed states%E2%80%99, nuclear proliferation, armed conflict and terrorism, democratisation, pandemics, the Arab Spring, etc. %E2%80" 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 %E2%80%98international community%E2%80%99 such as the United States and members of the European Union, %E2%80%98rising%E2%80%99 non-western states such as China, India and Brazil, non-state actors such as NGOs, transnational corporations and armed groups, and international financial and other institutions. Specific topics 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.

Course leader
Dr Mark Laffey and Dr Sutha Nadarajah

Target group
Current students, professionals + leisure learners

Course aim
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 politicsDemonstrate critical knowledge of contemporary global policy frameworks, such as globalization, neoliberalism and the Global War on TerrorDemonstrate critical knowledge of key institutional and organizational developments in world politics since the end of the Cold War.

Credits info
7.5 ECTS Please note that summer courses are not accredited by SOAS.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 transcripts will be available on request.

Fee info
GBP 1400: TuitionA tuition fee of 1400 will be charged per 3-week programme. This figure does not include accommodation fees.Application feeA one-off, non-refundable application fee of 60 will be charged to cover administration costs. Please visit the SOAS online store to make your application fee payment.DiscountsAn early bird discount of 10% is available if fees are paid by 31 March 2015.15% discount for SOAS Alumni.20% discount for current SOAS students.Other discounts are available for partner institutions and groups, please contact us for further information.



Scholarships
SOAS, University of London offers a limited number of scholarships for participation in academic courses which are part of sessions 2 and 3 of the SOAS Academic Summer School 2015 programme. These scholarships are in the form of partial fee waivers to cur

SOAS, University of London
Address: SOAS, University of London Thornhaugh Street
Postal code: WC1H 0XG
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Website: http://www.soas.ac.uk/summerschool/subjects/
E-mail: summerschool@soas.ac.uk
Phone: +44 2078984205