Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH Strategy, Leadership and Foreign Policy
School	Government
Department	Political Sci & Intern'tl Stud
Module Code	08 36028
Module Lead	Jamie Gaskarth
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Seminar-10 hours Guided independent study-170 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module examines how individuals and groups make foreign policy decisions and the real world effects that flow from these processes. It combines insights from leadership studies, social psychology, military strategy, public policy and cultural analyses. Typical questions include: what makes a good leader? Why do smart people make bad decisions? How does strategy differ according to national and regional contexts? How can we evaluate strategic success or failure? How can global decision-making be improved? As far as possible, it aims to combine theoretical insights with practical case studies and input from policymakers and practitioners.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Understand the theories and concepts used to explain strategy, leadership and foreign policy. Think critically about how decisions are made and analyse how this process could be improved. Demonstrate knowledge of the similarities and differences between strategic actors and how they respond to challenges.
Assessment	36028-01 : 1000 Word Assessment : Coursework (25%) 36028-03 : 3000 Word Assessment : Coursework (75%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x 2000 word essay (50%) 1 x 90 minute exam (50%) Reassessment by failed component
Other
Reading List