Module manager: Dr Blake Lawrinson
Email: b.w.lawrinson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module offers an introduction to contemporary diplomatic practice. The course examines the concept and history of diplomacy, its historical development, negotiation and mediation tactics and strategies, diplomacy arrangements at global, regional and local levels, and key issues around how diplomacy is perceived. A unique feature of this module is its practical and applied focus. Students will be introduced to key forms of negotiation and diplomatic practice, where case studies will be examined with the production of participatory and simulated negotiations. In addition, students will be introduced to a range of legal mechanisms used in global policy, with coverage on how various legal mechanisms are used, written and delivered.
This module aims to: (1) Offer an advanced introduction to a range of theoretical and practical issues in diplomacy and diplomatic practice; (2) Introduce key forms of negotiation, negotiation practice, mediation, policymaking and associated legal frameworks involved in global policy;(3) Introduce analytical tools for evaluating and understanding diplomatic practices and their implications on global policy formation; (4) Develop students’ capacities for independent research and critical analysis; (5) Develop students’ communication skills; (6) Develop students’ ability to produce key policy documents involved in diplomacy such as drafting resolutions and governmental position papers.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Identify, explain and discuss key concepts and debates in the field of diplomacy and diplomatic practice including negotiations and mediations and the associated legal framework involved in global politics.
2. Critically reflect on diplomatic practice and its implications for global policy formation.
3. Make connections between the theoretical perspectives on diplomacy and contemporary challenges, problems, and issues.
4. Translate knowledge of diplomatic practice into relevant policy documents.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Produce policy documents, such as draft resolutions and government position papers.
2. Use analytical skills for evaluating and understanding diplomatic practices and assessing their implication on global policy formation.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Private study hours | 278 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
There is 1 opportunity for formative feedback: 1) a short position paper. This assignment is designed to deliver feedback in line with expectations associated with the production of these types of policy documents for governmental and non-governmental organisations. As a result, formative feedback in this module will focus the development of skills associated with the formulation of policy documents, and how to write a governmental paper for policy negotiation.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Coursework | 40 |
| Assignment | Coursework | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 25/06/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team