Module manager: Dr Rachel Utley
Email: r.e.utley@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Since the late 1970s, international relations have been characterized by two developments of immense significance: the end of the Cold War, and the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. In both, the central role of the USA has loomed large – variously as the victorious Cold War superpower; the principal international power of the post-Cold War world; and a main target / major protagonist in the ‘war on terror’. However, this should not suggest that US leadership was inevitable, or unchallenged. The module therefore investigates relations between states and other international actors in the period from the late 1970s towards the present, within a complex and changing international context. It considers the nature and scope of developments in international relations over this time frame. It examines them in relation to priorities and perspectives in US foreign policy, and analyses the US’ role in world affairs under successive Administrations. Questioning aspirations to leadership, and impediments to that role, it additionally evaluates the perspectives of other major international actors, both state and non-state, and assesses whether the changing character of international politics since the end of the Cold War has militated against the maintenance of a preponderant American stance. Asking searching questions about major international themes – including power and conflict; peace and war; states and non-state actors; polarity in international politics; unilateral, bilateral and multilateral interactions; proliferation, globalisation, terrorism and more – this module offers contemporary historical perspectives on some of the most important international problems of the time. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The objectives of this module are:
- to develop skills of historical enquiry, interpretation and synthesis
- to identify structures, processes and state strategies in international politics during the period from 1976 to the present
- to demonstrate impacts and influence of US foreign policy on wider international considerations, and on developments in specific regions of the world
- to examine the evolution and achievements of international organisations in the same period
- to evaluate key conceptual issues involved in the study of international politics (including power, its nature and limits; peace and conflict; the international system, and ‘polarity’ within it; alliances and alignments; aspects of globalization; terror and the increasing breadth of international actors and forms of interaction in world affairs).
The module combines chronological and thematic approaches, and is taught by means of seminar-based discussion to facilitate exploration, interpretation and analysis of the subject matter.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Analyse key developments in relations between states in the period from the late 1970s (the onset of the ‘Second Cold War’) to the present, and transformations in international politics across the same period.
2. Assess the scope and limits of US power, status and influence in the international history of the recent past
3. Evaluate change over time in the international distribution of power, using a range of conceptual and empirical factors, within and beyond the US.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Assess relevant primary and secondary sources to formulate considered historical arguments.
5. Evaluate a range of perspectives in relevant scholarship, applying critical analysis to this body of material to formulate independent and original responses.
6. Effectively communicate complex ideas and arguments in different written formats, adhering to relevant disciplinary conventions.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Practical | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 177.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Informal feedback on contributions to seminars, as required.
The module workshops will be used to offer formative advice and support for both assessments (assessed essay and OTLA).
You will be offered individual meetings to discuss approaches to the assessed essay.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 48.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 12/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team