BSc Finance with Placement Year

Title:

Introductory Securities and Markets

Code:

IC101

Convenor:

DR John Chessher

Summary:

This module is delivered at the University of Reading and the University of Reading Malaysia

The module is in two halves. In the first half (first five weeks of term), we cover financial institutions, credit risk, maturity transformation and liquidity. We also cover the economics of banking and types of money including cryptocurrencies and central bank digital currencies. In the second five weeks, we focus on sustainable finance and its important contribution to achieving Net-Zero by 2050. Thus this second part focussed on the role of the finance industry in mitigating climate change impact and also covers social issues relevant to corporates and financial companies such as diversity, equality of pay for equal work, salary and bonus differentials etc.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Class test 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introductory Finance/Trading Simulation I

Code:

IC102

Convenor:

DR Gita Persand

Summary:

This module is delivered at University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia.

This module aims to provide the student with an overview of the financial system. This will include an overview of the role that the financial system plays in the economy, a discussion of some of the main players in the system, the instruments they trade, and the trading prices. Part of the module will focus on capital markets and the private and public financial institutions participating in these markets. The remainder of the module covers the time value of money, longer-term securities like bonds, risky securities like stocks, and the way in which returns, and the values of real and financial assets relate to each other. The purpose of the trading simulation part of the module is to introduce students to computer simulation of securities dealing and spreadsheet modelling. Students are taught the relevant theory and will experience how this theory works in a virtual dealing environment.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Practical 10%, Project 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introductory Economics for Business and Finance

Code:

IC103

Convenor:

DR Xi Li

Summary:

The module provides an introduction to micro- and macroeconomics for business students. It assumes no prior knowledge, instead providing a grounding in the subject enabling students to see how businesses are affected by developments in specific markets as well as by changes at the level of the entire economy. Students who have studied the subject before have the opportunity to stretch themselves in the discussion-based activities included in the seminars. 

This module is delivered at University of Reading, University of Reading Malaysia and Beijing Institute of Technology. 

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance

Code:

IC104

Convenor:

DR Nikolaos Antypas

Summary:

This module introduces students to a range of quantitative techniques that are commonly applied in business, finance and management. 

This module is delivered at University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia.

Assessment Method:

Exam 75%, Project 25%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Ethics in Investment Management

Code:

IC105

Convenor:

DR John Chessher

Summary:

Ethics in Investment Management offers a series of inter-linked, discussion-driven seminars and lectures that explore the ethical conflicts encountered by the investment management and finance professionals and firms. Students are encouraged to reflect on financialization and the impact of unethical behaviour on trading partners, customers, financial markets and wider stakeholders. The implications of unethical behaviour for civil society and the real economy are given particular attention and emphasis within this module. The module also helps students develop critical thinking and employability skills. Some of the topics covered in this module feature in the CFA ethics syllabus. Although the module materials and CFA ethics codes and standards are intended to be mutually reinforcing, this module should not be seen as an alternative to specialist training for the CFA exams.

Assessment Method:

Exam 65%, Assignment 25%, Project 10%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Business in Practice: Accounting for Managers

Code:

MM1F27

Convenor:

MRS Sian Weatherburn

Summary:

This module is delivered at the University of Reading and the University of Reading Malaysia

Assessment Method:

Exam 55%, Portfolio 10%, Project 35%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Corporate Finance

Code:

IC201

Convenor:

DR Sonny Biswas

Summary:

This module focusses on corporate value: its measurement, and its maximisation through corporate financial decisions, growth strategies, and governance practices. 

This module is delivered at the University of Reading and the University of Reading Malaysia

Assessment Method:

Exam 65%, Project 35%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Portfolio Management

Code:

IC204

Convenor:

DR Nikolaos Antypas

Summary:

The module examines the issues involved in understanding the investment market, constructing an optimal investment portfolio, evaluating the performance of that portfolio, and adjusting its composition through time.

This module is delivered at University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 10%, Oral 40%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Financial Modelling

Code:

IC212

Convenor:

DR Gita Persand

Summary:

This module is delivered at University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia.

This module aims to put various finance theories, which were studied at Part 1 Introductory Finance, into practice with the use of Microsoft Excel functions, hence providing students with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge, when using Excel, to solve some real-life financial problems.

Assessment Method:

Project 60%, Class test 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introductory Econometrics for Finance

Code:

IC205

Convenor:

DR Lisa Schopohl

Summary:

This module introduces students to the econometric techniques that are used in the empirical finance literature. 

Assessment Method:

Exam 65%, Assignment 10%, Project 25%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Trends in Finance

Code:

IC207

Convenor:

DR Antony Moore

Summary:

This module encourages students to contextualise current issues and debates in finance by placing them within the historical evolution of finance, and to develop and express their own ideas through coursework essays and in-class discussions.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 90%, Oral 10%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Programming for Finance

Code:

IC208

Convenor:

DR Vu Tran

Summary:

The module objective is to introduce the students to Object Oriented Programming using Python as the main programming language, and to use the learning outcomes for data processing and applications in Finance. It covers the basics of programming, including class, objects, datatypes, conditional statements and loops, processing data from files, receiving inputs and displaying relevant outputs. Students who complete this course should be able to write simple programming functions in Python, process data files including reading, and modifying and writing data to external files. Additionally, students should be able to read and write to Excel and CSV files, connect to databases, obtain and process data from the Web, as well as use Python for Finance and Econometrics.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Sustainable Finance

Code:

IC209

Convenor:

DR Dina Ghanma

Summary:

This module covers the basics of Sustainable Finance, covering applications in financing and investment activities. The Environmental, Social and Governance factors are covered, and the relevant policies and international regulations are discussed. 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

FX and International Debt Markets

Code:

IC211

Convenor:

MRS Gail Rolland

Summary:

In this module students will study the international debt markets, equipping them with the tools to analyse and compare products and determine trading and hedging strategies.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Practical 10%, Class test 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Personal Finance

Code:

IC213

Convenor:

DR Antony Moore

Summary:

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Climate Change and Finance

Code:

IC214

Convenor:

DR Antony Moore

Summary:

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Towards Sustainability: Positive Action for a Better World

Code:

AD2SPA

Convenor:

PROF Julian Park

Summary:

This is a University-wide module, the aim of which is to better understand the sustainability challenges facing the world and to consider the positive actions that can be taken either collectively or at the individual level that aids the sustainability agenda. The module will consist of lectures, case studies, discussions and speakers from external organisations as well as a group project work.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis

Code:

AR2CSA

Convenor:

PROF Mary Lewis

Summary:

This module provides you with an introduction to crime scene investigations and the evidence types, techniques, and considerations needed when undertaking forensic and forensic archaeological analyses. Through a series of practical activities, as well as lectures and classes, you will gain knowledge and experience of forensic investigative techniques, and learn the theory behind when, why and how these are utilised. With each week covering a different topic, this module is a broad overview of forensic investigations, providing you with knowledge of the processes involved from the moment a crime is committed all the way through evidence collection, testing, the legal procedures and even the psychological impacts of such investigations.

The module provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of both the practical and theoretical aspects and methodology of forensic archaeology and crime scene investigations. Through lectures, practical activities, classes, and a suite of additional material including videos and reading, you will be able to explore and understand forensic and archaeological practices, and when, why and how these are used. The scientific basis of each technique and its application to crime scene investigations will be explored using examples of their application in both contemporary and archaeological criminal investigations. You will also obtain practical experience of crime scene analysis techniques through in-class and interactive activities.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Wildlife Documentary: Ecology and Representation

Code:

FT2WD

Convenor:

DR Adam O'Brien

Summary:

This module gives you the opportunity to study wildlife documentaries and filmmaking addressing ecological issues. You will engage with the relevant critical vocabulary and contextual knowledge to explore how meaning is created and constructed. Case studies may include David Attenborough’s landmark BBC series, nature documentaries such as March of the Penguins and climate change films such as An Inconvenient Truth. There may be a Q&A with a guest speaker from the creative industries.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Oral 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Intercultural Competence and Communication

Code:

IL2GICC

Convenor:

PROF Daniela Standen

Summary:

In this module students develop the skills and understanding needed for communicating effectively in a multi-cultural global environment including the university and the workplace.  Intercultural competence and communication will be considered from a range of disciplinary perspectives, including Language Eucation, Film, and Curriculum.  During the course of the module you will tackle questions such as: How do you work successfully in multicultural Teams? Are nationality and identity the same thing? Why do stereotypes exist?

Students will demonstrate their learning, through reflections and critical evaluation of a real-world situation.

The module will be delivered at the University of Reading Whiteknights campus

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Modern Britain in Global Society

Code:

IL2GMBG

Convenor:

DR Lucy Watson

Summary:

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

What the Font? Making and Using Typefaces

Code:

TG2WTF

Convenor:

DR Borna Izadpanah

Summary:

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Work Placement

Code:

MM284

Convenor:

MRS Jennifer Phillips

Summary:

This module provides insight into the practical application of Accountancy and/or Business Management Skills.

?This module is also delivered at University of Reading Malaysia. 

Assessment Method:

Oral 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Management of Risk

Code:

IC303

Convenor:

DR Ivan Sangiorgi

Summary:

This module introduces students to a set of techniques to measure and manage market and credit risks in banks. It also covers recent developments in bank regulation. Financial press articles are extensively used to provide context and show the relevance of the teaching material to current risk management issues. Popular portfolio risk models and stress testing frameworks used by risk managers and central banks are explored in detail. This course will help students develop those critical risk management skills that are now considered indispensable for anyone willing to undertake a career in the financial sector. 

This module is delivered at the University of Reading and the University of Reading Malaysia

Assessment Method:

Project 40%, Class test 60%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Derivative Securities

Code:

IC317

Convenor:

DR Samah El Hajjar

Summary:

From the 1970s to the present, derivatives markets are developing rapidly in terms of their market size and importance to the majority of market participants. Banks, corporations, governments and multi-national institutions utilize derivatives products either simple or complex ones to hedge risk and exploit opportunities. To understand the modern financial market and its practical applications, it’s inevitable to study derivatives. This module is an introduction to derivatives markets and instruments. We explore derivatives markets and their products mainly through theories and practical trading strategies. By the end of this module, you will be equipped with the essential knowledge to continue studying the advanced derivatives pricing model and practising trading with derivatives in your later module.

This module is delivered at the University of Reading and the University of Reading Malaysia

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Financial Engineering

Code:

IC302

Convenor:

PROF Radu Tunaru

Summary:

Financial Engineering is the application of engineering methods to finance for the design, analysis, and construction of financial contracts that meet the needs of investors and companies. This basic course of Financial Engineering provides an overview of the theory and practice of Financial Engineering, with emphasis on contract design, payoffs replication and application of simple derivatives pricing and hedging methodology to complex derivatives and structured products.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Research Project

Code:

IC305

Convenor:

DR Nadia Kappou

Summary:

Students choose a finance question that is of interest to them, and produce a Research Project which addresses their question. The Research Project starts in the middle of the Autumn term, and continues during the Spring term. This gives students plenty of time to complete their Research Project, and the flexibility to phase it to fit in with other demands on their time. The Research Project usually involves the analysis of data. At the start, each student is allocated an academic supervisor who offers advice on their Research Project. Student assessment is based solely on the quality of their Research Project, which is submitted on the first day of the Summer term.

Assessment Method:

Dissertation 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Private Equity and Venture Capital

Code:

IC309

Convenor:

DR Keith Arundale

Summary:

The objective of the Private Equity and Venture Capital module, which is delivered at the ICMA Centre, is to develop students’ appreciation of the practical aspects of investing by private equity and venture capital firms, understanding the dynamics between the venture capital investor and the entrepreneur, and also the practicalities of raising PE&VC funds from institutional investors. The focus of the module is on venture capital and high-growth ventures from the viewpoints of both the entrepreneur or management team and of the investing institution (general partner), although private equity as a whole is covered (including management buyout transactions) as well as the relationship between the private equity or venture capital firm and its own investors (limited partner institutions). This is a highly practical module; extensive use will be made of case studies and a group project in addition to guest seminars from invited experienced practitioners and entrepreneurs.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Assignment 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Bond and Money Markets

Code:

IC314

Convenor:

DR Ivan Sangiorgi

Summary:

Bond and Money Markets explores the economic drivers and relationships between bond, money markets and central bank monetary policies, and the impact of key economic drivers on the pricing, trading strategies and portfolio management for bonds and money market instruments . The module offers students the opportunity to gain an understanding of how these connections affect interest rates, trading positions, portfolio management strategies, funding liquidity management, and the challenges faced by bond issuers, investors, regulators and policy makers in bond and money markets. The course also covers the overall functions, pricing, structure and operation of bond and money markets. Additionally, the module will help students develop mentoring and coaching skills, personal effectiveness, action planning and career decision-making skills.  

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Practical 10%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Advanced Derivative Securities Hedging and Trading

Code:

IC315

Convenor:

DR Mike Smith

Summary:

This is a very practical course focusing mainly on option/volatility trading and risk management. The seminars all take place in the dealing room, and students will manage the risk, as market makers,of equity options portfolios on ICTrader.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Practical 10%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Fintech and Cryptocurrencies

Code:

IC316

Convenor:

DR Mohammad Shehub Bin Hasan

Summary:

This module seeks to introduce students to FinTech, Cryptocurrencies, and Blockchain. The module offers students the opportunity to gain an understanding of how and why firms are implementing blockchain technology in their day-to-day business as well as the challenges they face.  The module also covers cryptocurrencies, their governance, and properties behind the most popular cryptocurrencies.

This module is delivered at the University of Reading and the University of Reading Malaysia

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Oral 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Machine Learning in Finance

Code:

IC318

Convenor:

DR Mininder Sethi

Summary:

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Money Makes the World Go Round: Milestones in Financial History

Code:

IC320

Convenor:

DR Antony Moore

Summary:

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Information Systems and Digital Business

Code:

MM3101

Convenor:

PROF Keiichi Nakata

Summary:

Information systems are the means by which people and organisations, utilising technologies, gather, process, store, use and disseminate information. Digital business makes effective use of information systems to enable organisations to create value throughout the value chain. This module covers key concepts, theories, techniques, and issues in developing information systems solutions for digital business. It emphasises the importance of aligning business and IT strategies through an understanding of the structure and function of information processed by IT systems from both business and technical perspectives. 

This module is delivered at University of Reading, and University of Reading Malaysia. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Leadership Skills and Values from Antiquity

Code:

CL3LEAD

Convenor:

DR Andreas Gavrielatos

Summary:

The ancient world features a broad range of leaders and types of leadership: kings and queens, politicians and rebels, democratic and totalitarian, military and professionals, etc. Although they are now figures from the past, they provide a fruitful case study for the timeless skills and values a leader needs as well as the means and ways for developing them. This module will build on modern theories of leadership by deducing information and advice from ancient literature. Philosophical and Historical texts will be combined with Poetry and Drama, to provide the skills and values that were deemed essential from antiquity to day. Leadership skills and values will be examined with regards to specific personalities from the ancient world (Pericles, Aeneas, Dido, Budicca, Hannibal) as well as specific challenges leaders face and conditions under which they are called to thrive, i.e. transition of power, diversity, war, social unrest, etc. We will closely follow the decisions and portrayals of a diverse range of leaders, e.g. Aeneas’ leadership as a refugee, and Budicca’s leadership of a rebellion. We will also discuss leadership models outside the centres of power, e.g. of minorities and communities or states outside the Roman Empire.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Intercultural Competence and Communication

Code:

IL3GICC

Convenor:

PROF Daniela Standen

Summary:

This module will help you to develop your intercultural competence and communication skills, preparing you to live, study and work in an interconnected world.

You will explore concepts, and analytical tools to develop awareness and understanding of intercultural competence and communication. You will use theories and models of cultural analysis to make sense of real world situations and reflect on your own values and behaviours. We’ll explore questions such as:

• Why do misunderstandings happen?
• What does it mean to ‘know’ a culture?
• What are my values?

And then we’ll apply them to a variety of contexts  (e.g. the world of work), disciplines (e.g. film and media)  and situations (e.g. eating)

At the end of this module you will have developed your knowledge of culture, an ability to explain and analyse situations and will have developed personal and transferrable skills and competencies that will allow you to communicate effectively in intercultural situations.

This module will be delivered twice, once in semester 1 and again in semester 2, to give part 2 students a choice on when to take it. 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Intercultural Communications

Code:

LS3IC

Convenor:

DR Erhan Aslan

Summary:

In this module, students will explore how people of different discourse systems or groups communicate with one another in various face-to-face and digitally-mediated contexts. Specifically, students will gain an understanding of how assumptions and values that have been constructed or adopted within a specific culture group influence the ways in which people successfully communicate with each other as well as experience miscommunication. Students will become familiar with a variety of topics in intercultural communication as they engage in hands-on analyses of intercultural encounters.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Set exercise 10%, Project 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Climate Change: Causes and Consequences

Code:

MT3CCC

Convenor:

PROF Nigel Arnell

Summary:

This module examines the causes and consequences of climate change, and ways of addressing climate risks through mitigation and adaptation. 

The broad aim of the module is to provide students with the latest information on climate change and its consequences to allow them to understand both how and why climate is changing, and understand the challenges in developing local, national and international responses to climate change. 

The module will enable students to understand and actively contribute to one of the key defining challenges of the 21st century.  

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Code:

PO3TEU

Convenor:

DR Amanda Hall

Summary:

This course examines key issues in the study of contemporary international terrorism. We will examine what terrorism is and what distinguishes it from other forms of conflict and warfare in the international system. From there the module will address the causes and consequences of terrorism throughout history, and the nexus between terrorism and the media. We evaluate what factors influence terrorist target selection and modus operandi, as well as the options available to counterterrorism, specifically focusing on the effectiveness of political, economic, military and judicial instruments. While portions of the module will focus on specific so-called “typologies” of terrorism, there will be an emphasis on the factors which may be common between cases, providing the opportunity for students to apply their knowledge to a range of timely, real-world examples. 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

US Foreign Policy

Code:

PO3USU

Convenor:

DR Graham O'Dwyer

Summary:

American foreign policy matters. As the most powerful, wealthiest, and influential state in the contemporary international system what Washington thinks and does is important to understand. But how did the US come to be in such a dominant position? This module explores this question and a set of integrated ones that flow from this concerning the American foreign policy tradition, the growth of presidential power in foreign policy making since 1945, and a number of case studies that explore key events and policies across time. By exploring historical and contemporary cases, since the Vietnam War, students will analyse how foreign policy decisions are made, look at who influences them, and how this has evolved overtime. Drawing on primary and secondary sources students will gain an understanding of crucial events such as the Vietnam War, nuclear diplomacy during the Cold War, US-Mexico-Colombia relations and the War on Drugs, and the response to 9/11. Finally, the course will explore salient challenges faced by US foreign policymakers today. 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.