Course - The Rise and Decline of Great Powers - POL3521
The Rise and Decline of Great Powers
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About the course
Course content
The course provides an introduction to the world of great powers. It discusses how great powers have replaced each other as the leading international actors of the time, and what it is that has led to the rise of some and the fall of others. It puts the focus on processes that have been instrumental with respect to political and economic development, and discusses how these processes contribute to shaping the relationship between the great powers. The course also discusses how the number and behavior of the great powers define the nature of the international system.
Learning outcome
Knowledge - the student shall:
- have knowledge about the factors that affect the competition and distribution of international capabilities and resources
- have knowledge about the history, system of government and foreign politics of selected great powers
- have knowledge about theories of economic growth, power and prestige and long-term change in the international system
Skills - the student shall:
- treat questions and topics discussed during instruction in an independent analysis which is grounded in literature and relevant empirical data and that fulfills the requirements for scientific writing
- orally discuss and reflect over one's own written work and the themes which were taken up in teaching
Learning methods and activities
Lectures and seminars totaling 4 hours per week. Individual advice on term paper. If 6 or fewer students attend the course the two first weeks of teaching, the course will be offered as an individual study course with supervision.
Compulsory assignments
- Presentation
Further on evaluation
Form of assessment: Term paper and oral examination. Length of term paper: 6000-8000 words. The oral exam covers both the term paper and the required reading. Both the term paper and the oral exam must be retaken at a repeat of the exam.
Recommended previous knowledge
See required previous knowledge
Required previous knowledge
60 credits including SOS1002 or an equivalent course in research methods. The requirement must be fulfilled to be admitted to the course.
Course materials
Available at the start of the term
Credit reductions
Course code | Reduction | From |
---|---|---|
SVPOL344 | 15 sp | Autumn 2014 |
POL8519 | 10 sp | Autumn 2014 |
Subject areas
- Social Studies
- Social Science
- Social Sciences
- Political Science