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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2012 - 2013

Module Title Politics of the UN
Module Code LG552
School School of Law & Government

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

INACTIVE - The United Nations is perhaps the most ambitious project of international co-operation and governance in the international system, and the closest international politics has come to some form of world government. Born from the ashes of World War II, the UN has consistently played an important (and sometimes understated) role in world economic, social and political affairs. The relevance of the UN is as important as ever in the 21st century, despite suffering legitimacy problems after September 11th, and facing an uncertain future as a result of globalisation, global terrorism and increased isolationalism. This course introduces students to the study of the United Nations. We will examine the evolution of the UN s role on the international stage from the Cold War to the present day, together with the main challenges and problems the organisation is now facing. Students are expected to attend class, contribute during class and utilize the online resources.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the major institutional structures of the United Nations
2. Understand and explain the evolution of the United Nations since World War II
3. Analyse and explain the theory and reality of collective security within the United Nations
4. Critically analyse contemporary political events within the UN
5. Build a link with theoretical approaches in international politics and analyse how they may be helpful in explaining the UN



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24No Description
Independent Study226No Description
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to the United Nations: Theories of IO and Genesis and Basic Principals of the UN

The Principal Organs of the United Nations: Competencies, Functions and Decision-Making Processes

The Core Functions of the UN: Collective Legitimisation and the Theory of Collective Security

The Cold War UN: The Evolution of Collective Security

The Third World UN and Hiatus in the 1980s

The UN after the Cold War: New roles and the re-birth of peacekeeping

After September 11th? Terrorism, WMDs and Iraq

The UN and Human Rights

The UN and Sustainable Human Development – Theory and Practic

Development, Globalisation, Global Governance and UN Global Conferences – A new form of Legitimisation?

The UN and the 21st Century?

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Weiss, Thomas G. et al. (2004): 0, The United Nations and Changing World Politics, 4th ed. Oxford, Westview Press.,
  • • Bernhard Gareis, Sven & Johanes Varwick (2005): 0, The United Nations: An Introduction. Basingstoke, Palgrave MacMillan.,
  • W. Andy Knight, ed. (2005): 0, Adapting the United Nations to a post-modern era: lessons learned. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.,
  • Keith Krause & W. Andy Knight, eds. (1995): 0, State, society and the UN system: changing perspectives on multilateralism. New York : United Nations University Press,
  • Simon Chesterman (2005): 0, You, the people: the United Nations, transitional administration, and state-building. New York: Oxford University Press,
Other Resources

530, Moodle, 0, Class notes and further reading shall be placed on Moodle,
Programme or List of Programmes
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
IFPSDEPre-Masters Intl.Found.Prog.Devel.Studie
IFPSICPre MSc Intl Foun Sgl Sem Intl Sec & Con
IFPSIRPre MSc Intl Foun Sgl Sem Intl Rels
MDEVMA in Development
MICMA in International Communications
MIRMA in International Relations
MISCMA in International Security & Conflict
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