Undergraduate Course: Emerging Powers (PLIT10102)
Course Outline
| School | School of Social and Political Science |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | The global economy and global politics are currently in a period of immense change. For over half a century, the international system was dominated by the United States and other Western states. Yet there has recently been a significant shift of global economic activity from the Global North to the Global South, with major developing countries - often identified collectively as "the BRICS" (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) - emerging as key players in the world economy. Along with their growing economic might, the emerging powers are increasingly asserting themselves in global politics and demanding a greater role in global governance. This transformation has been identified as one of the most important in modern history and prompted considerable debate in academic and policy circles around the world about the agendas of the emerging powers and the consequences of their rise. This course examines the role and impact of the emerging powers in the international system. It begins by analyzing the politics, economics, and foreign policy objectives of these countries. It then turns to assessing the sources and nature of contemporary power shifts and their implications for a variety of different areas of global politics and governance, including security, human rights, environment, trade, finance, and development. |
| Course description |
The global economy and global politics are currently in a period of immense change. For over half a century, the international system was dominated by the United States and other Western states. Yet there has recently been a significant shift of global economic activity from the Global North to the Global South, with major developing countries - often identified collectively as "the BRICS" (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) - emerging as key players in the world economy. Along with their growing economic might, the emerging powers are increasingly asserting themselves in global politics and demanding a greater role in global governance. This transformation has been identified as one of the most important in modern history and prompted considerable debate in academic and policy circles around the world about the agendas of the emerging powers and the consequences of their rise.
The course examines the role and impact of the emerging powers in the international system. It begins by analysing the politics, economics, and foreign policy objectives of these countries. It then turns to assessing the sources and nature of contemporary power shifts and their implications for a variety of different areas of global politics and governance, including security, human rights, environment, trade, finance, and development.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have completed an upper-level course in International Political Economy or Global Security. Visiting students should also have at least 4 Politics/International Relations courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses.
** as numbers are limited, visiting students should contact the Visiting Student Office directly for admission to this course **
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| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Students will develop a critical understanding of the main areas of study, including key concepts, actors and dynamics related to contemporary power shifts in the global economy and global politics
- Students will be able to assess competing claims and make informed judgments about current complex issues related to the rise of the BRICS
- Students will know and understand core academic debates surrounding contemporary power shifts
- Students will sharpen their ability to present - in written and verbal form - coherent, balanced arguments about important political and economic topics
- Students will enhance their research skills by planning and executing a significant project of research on a major issue related to the emerging powers.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
In-depth knowledge of the emerging powers and their impact on the global economy and global politics.
Critical thinking and analytical skills.
Advanced research skills.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Global citizenship.
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| Keywords | BRICS,international relations,international political economy,global governance |
Contacts
| Course organiser | |
Course secretary | Mr Daniel Jackson
Tel: (0131 6)50 2309
Email: |
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