GLOBAL GOVERNANCE - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module provides a general introduction to the contemporary system of global governance. It seeks to provide students with a general overview of key concepts, structures and theoretical debates in this field. It looks at the links between national and international politics and encourages students to think critically about social, political and economic trends. In doing so, the module acts as a bridge between IR, political science, and political theory, as well as international law. In addition, the module offers insights, feedback, and assessment forms which cumulatively provide students with opportunities to engage in five key areas: employability (especially for those seeking internships in foreign-policy related areas), global and cultural capabilities, digital capabilities, sustainability, and resourcefulness and resilience.  

 

Module provider

Politics & International Relations

Module Leader

LEVERINGHAUS Alex (Politics IR)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Topics are likely to include:

• Introduction – building governance at a global level: theoretical perspectives


• Legitimacy and authority of Global Governance


• Institutions of global governance – the United Nations system; International Monetary Fund and World Bank; World Trade Organisation


• Practices of global governance – analysis of modes of interaction and power dynamics


• Global governance and the state – interdependence and the hollowing of the state

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is specifically designed to enhance students’ resourcefulness and resilience, as well as their digital research capabilities.

The strategy’s core is that students treat the two analytical essays (of 2000 words, and of 3000 words, respectively) required for the module as mini-research projects, which give them the opportunity to research areas of Global Governance that they find interesting.

Students are allowed to research Global Governance-related topics that are not featured on the syllabus (pending approval by the module leader). Students have made use of this and there is usually a diverse array of papers for the module. Doing research strengthens resourcefulness and resilience. Looking for information that falls outside of the syllabus also strengthens digital research capabilities. The ability to manage a small research project is also crucial to enhance students’ employability in a labour market where they will often have to be self-starters and have to work independently.  

In addition, the assessment trains students’ ability to analyse and critique rather than simply describe their topic. This involves using an analytical framework, choosing relevant examples to illustrate their argument, tying theoretical perspectives to real-world examples, and demonstrating comprehension of the subject to ensure factual accuracy. Students are marked on their ability to structure their argument clearly, as well as their use of evidence to back up the points they are making. Students are required to use high quality, relevant primary and secondary source literature and reference their sources using a standard referencing protocol. 

Formative feedback will be provided in a number of occasions throughout the module.

Module aims

• To consider, analyse, synthesise and critique a wide range to of current issues within current global governance practices and institutions
• Engage in a diverse international environment, comparing various political and cultural viewpoints and divergent economic perspectives
• Develop an understanding of complex issues on actors and institutions of global governance, legal and policy initiatives (Non-proliferation Regime, Kyoto Agreement etc.)
• Develop capability for sustainable thinking, e.g. in tackling key governance issues connected to multilateral approaches to climate change and sustainability, and actor options within an anarchical international sphere.
• Apply relevant analytical and critical thinking skills and invest in their independence as researchers, strengthening resourcefulness and deepening resilience in managing challenges
• Develop a range of research skills through the conceptual, documentary, case-based and speech-related materials from primary and secondary sources, including digital portals and repositories
• Develop debating and argumentation skills and other soft skills connected to global awareness, digital capabilities, sustainability plus resourcefulness and resilience cumulatively, augmenting overall employability

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Encourage work both independent and group work


• Facilitate critical thinking


• Develop presentation skills


• Enhance analytical skills

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: POLM012

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.