The
main of this module is to introduce students to the theory, practice and
workings of key international and regional organisations. The module builds on
theoretical work on regimes, institutions and organisations undertaken in the
Level 4 module ‘International Relations’ as well as preparing students for the
‘Study Visit’ module to Brussels, where they will have the chance to see the
workings of these institutions from the inside. The aim of the module is
therefore to link theory and practice in a way which gives students a solid
historical overview of the origins, development and workings of the UN, EU and
NATO as well as a critical understanding of debates about how they have adapted
and ought to adapt to meet political, economic and security challenges in the
modern world. By the end of the module students will be in a position
critically to engage with academic and political debates about the past,
present and futures of these organisations.