Elective Seminar Course on Diplomacy, Economic Sanctions and War

This course is an in-depth elective course at the second cycle in the Master’s Programme in International Administration and Global Governance, Master’s Programme in Political Science and Master’s Programme in European Studies.

Admission to the course requires a minimum of 15 credits from courses the first semester in the Master’s Programme in International Administration and Global Governance, Master’s Programme in Political Science, or Master’s Programme in European Studies, or equivalent. Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The course provides students with knowledge and understanding within the field of diplomacy, econommic sanctions and war.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of research on diplomacy, economic sanctions and war;
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of real-world implications of research in the field of diplomacy, economic sanctions and war;
• Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of key concepts, perspectives and approaches drawn from social science research in the themes of diplomacy, economic sanctions and war;

Competence and skills

• Identify the key strands in the relevant literature and organise its findings in a meaningful manner;
• Review and compare empirical findings from diverse sets of academic literature;
• Independently produce text in accordance with good academic practice, including proper citation technique and use of references;
• Communicate clearly and proficiently in English both orally and in writing;
• Complete assignments within given time limits.

Judgement and approach

• Scrutinize and critically evaluate relevant information and academic research.

Teaching is primarily conducted through seminars and individual supervision.

Language of instruction: English

Students will be evaluated through three written assignments and active participation in seminars.

• Active participation in seminars (including mandatory oral presentations), 3 credits.
• Written assignment 1, 3 credits.
• Written assignment 2, 3 credits.
• Final paper, 6 credits.

A student who is not able to attend a compulsory part of the course can do an alternative assignment. The assignment will be described in the course guide.

Students can be asked to re-work graded assignments and re-submit them. If the student does not re-submit the reworked assignment on time, the student will be failed on the assignment.

If a student who has twice received a failing grade for the same examination component wishes to change examiner ahead of the next examination session, such a request should be made to the department in writing and should be approved by the department unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

Students shall be offered at least five opportunities to take examinations in order to pass a course or part of a course (Chapter 6 Section 21of the Higher Education Ordinance).

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years after the course has ceased/been changed. This may not be in conflict with Chapter 6 Section 21 of Higher Education Ordinance.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years after the course has ceased/been changed. The same applies to internships and professional placements (VFU), although this is restricted to just one additional examination session.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

To obtain the Pass grade the student must fulfil all the learning outcomes by actively participating in the seminars (including mandatory presentations as well as mandatory seminars) (assessed either with Pass (G) or Fail (U) as well as obtaining Pass on the written assignments (assessed with Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U)). To obtain the grade Pass with distinction (VG) on the whole course the grade Pass with distinction must have been achieved on at least one of the written assignments (3 credits each), and on the final paper (6 credits), while passing all other assignments.

Pass with Distinction on the written assignments requires that the student demonstrates excellent knowledge on the main themes covered by the course; very good skills in making independent analyses; fulfill high academic standards in terms of structure and language; as well as demonstrate the ability to undertake the task within a predetermined time frame, i.e. to hand it in by the deadline on the first time of submission.

The student will be given the opportunity to do a course evaluation. The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course..