Foundations of Diplomacy Course - University of Oxford · Negotiating: persuasion ... English for...

Foundations of Diplomacy Course

2011 – 2012

Programme Modules

Please note that the programme modules are subject to change.

Department for Continuing Education

www.conted.ox.ac.uk

Foundations of Diplomacy Programme Modules – 2011-2012 10

Michaelmas Term 2011


Diplomacy in Practice 1 Michaelmas Term 2011 (3 October – 16 December)

Course Content This course aims to offer you an introduction to diplomacy in practice and will include: Week 1 The development of foreign policy and diplomacy. Week 2 British Foreign Policy; the drivers and issues Week 3 The mechanisms of foreign policy – How Whitehall works. Week 4 What embassies and other missions do? Do we still need them? Week 5 How to negotiate I Week 6 How to negotiate II (simulation and exercise) Week 7 How to negotiate II (simulation and exercise cont.) Week 8 Embassies in action. The role of the ambassador; political work. Week 9 Embassies in action: visits, public diplomacy, crisis management Week 10 Embassies in action: economic, commercial, consular, visa and defence Learning Outcomes By the end of this course, you should have enhanced your knowledge of practical diplomatic skills through both simulation practice and group interaction. Assignment Format One assignment (essay format or presentation) to be agreed with your tutor. Due Date Thursday 15 December 2011 Course Texts Berridge, G. R., 2010 Diplomacy, Theory and Practice (4

th Edition), Palgrave Macmillan



International Relations since the Cold War Michaelmas Term 2011 (3 October – 16 December)

Course Content Week 1 End of the Cold War and demise of the Soviet Union Week 2 Gorge Bush and the new world order; fact or fantasy after the Gulf War? Week 3 Yugoslavia in meltdown: Was the international community to blame? Week 4 Age of the Neo-cons: The US response to 9/11 and Iraq War of 2003 Week 5 From warmonger to peace envoy: the foreign policies of Tony Blair Week 6 Defensive or hegemonic? Iranian foreign policy since the Revolution Week 7 Obama and Brown: Reinventing the ‘special relationship’? Weeks 8/9 Advantage Asia-Pacific? Political economy of the global credit crunch Learning Outcomes By the end of this course, you should have an appreciation of international relations in the late 20

th

century and the early 21st century.

Assignment format Students will be expected to submit 1 essay of 2000 words (students are expected to have their essay checked by their tutor before handing it in). Due Date Thursday 15 December 2011 Recommended Reading TBA



Current International and Economic Affairs 1 Michaelmas Term 2011 (3 October – 16 December)

Course Content This will take the form of a 90-minute class, based on the current issue of The Economist magazine. Students choose articles on current international, political and economic affairs and make oral presentations on the topics, concentrating on accuracy, coherence and conciseness. We also debate topical international news stories which need analysis. Students are expected to contribute to the class discussions which result. Learning Outcomes By regularly reading articles in the Economist, preparing and listening to presentations on current topics, and then discussing them, students should have developed their knowledge of these issues as well as learning how to produce fluent, concise, informative and tightly-organised presentations. Assignment Format Each student will give at least one 10 minute presentation. They will also be set a 1500-2000 word assignment. Due Date Thursday 15 December 2011



European Integration Michaelmas Term 2011 (3 October – 16 December)

Course Content The course aims to explain and evaluate the origins, development and continued growth of European integration since 1945. It deals with the original intention of France and Germany to banish war from Europe, the importance of economic co-operation culminating in the single currency, the evolution of a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the series of treaties of which the Lisbon Treaty is the most recent and the most hotly contested. The course focuses on both Western and Eastern Europe; it focuses on countries regarded as very enthusiastic about integration, e.g. Spain, Portugal, and Germany, as well as countries where opposition to integration has become evident; the UK, Denmark and Ireland. Students are expected to have done the set preparatory reading in order to be able to ask pertinent questions and participate in class discussions. Week 1 Origins of European Integration after 1945 Week 2 From the Six to the Nine: Integration 1957–79 Week 3 Delors v. Thatcher: Integration in the 1980s Week 4 The Maastricht Treaty and the single currency Week 5 From 12 to 27: why countries joined the EU 1989-2007 Week 6 From Blair to Cameron’s coalition: UK and EU since 1997 Week 7 From Constitution to Lisbon Treaty; overcoming the ‘No’ votes in France, the Netherlands and Ireland 2003 – 2009 Week 8 The Eurozone Crisis of 2010: Germany to the rescue? Week 9 The future of the EU Learning Outcomes As well as a thorough understanding of the EU’s historical development, this course aims to familiarise students with the most recent issues in EU international relations. Assignment format One essay of 1,500 - 2000 words. Due Date Thursday 15 December 2011 Recommended Reading L. Tsoukalis. 1997. The New European Economy Revisited. OUP. J. Pinder. 1995. European Community: Building of a Union. Oxford Paperbacks. A. Deighton (ed). 1995. Building Post-War Europe. Palgrave Macmillan. S. George. 1998. An Awkward Partner: Britain in the European Community. OUP. M. Holmes. 2001. European Integration: Scope and Limits. Palgrave Macmillan. K. Middlemas. 1995. Orchestrating Europe: The Informal Politics of the European Union, 1943-95. Fontana Press.



Public Speaking for Diplomats Michaelmas Term 2011 (3 October – 16 December)

This is a completely new course for 2011. Full course content details will be available in Hilary Term 2011.



English for Diplomacy 1 Michaelmas Term 2011 (3 October – 16 December)

Course Content The course is designed to focus on key linguistic skill areas required in the field of international diplomacy including:

� Diplomatic writing: tact and tone � Diplomatic correspondence and personal contact: correct forms of address � Negotiating: persuasion, acquiescence and degree of forcefulness � Linguistic precision; le mot juste, vague language, ‘diplomatspeak’ � Linguistic repair strategies: rephrasing, paraphrasing, clarifying � Note-taking for meetings and conferences � Making extempore speeches and toasts � Potential problem areas: humour, sarcasm, hyperbole, understatement � Social etiquette: Making small talk at official meetings, receptions and gatherings � Apologising

Learning Outcomes By the end of the term you should be in a position to:

� adopt an appropriate tone in diplomatic correspondence � appreciate shades of meaning � understand the importance of choosing ‘le mot juste’ � make short extempore speeches and toasts � engage successfully in diplomatic small talk � anticipate possible intercultural issues

Assignment Format No assignments, but homework tasks will be set and a mark for participation given. Course Text None. Handouts will be provided.



English for Business & Economics 1 Michaelmas Term 2011 (3 October – 16 December)

Course Content The course will provide a study of the language and terminology used in Business and Economics. Your studies will be based mainly on a course book, but will also use other published material. Emphasis will be placed on developing confidence in communicating orally in business-related workplace contexts. You will be given opportunities to gain practice in giving short presentations, role playing meetings and negotiations, participating in discussions, analysing and summarising economic trends, and also writing business e-mails and reports. Homework will consist of reading short topic-based texts which recycle the vocabulary studied. Learning Outcomes By the end of the course you should have:

• Expanded your collocations and language for Business and Economics

• Developed the language and skills needed to analyse economic trends and to participate in a range of business situations

• Gained more confidence in speaking and writing in business contexts Assignment Format Progress and assessment will be carried out continuously throughout the term and will cover both written and oral work. Course Text Mark Powell, In Company (Upper Intermediate), Oxford: Macmillan



International Newsroom Listening Skills 1 Michaelmas Term 2011 (3 October – 16 December)

Course Content The course will focus on developing listening skills and interpretation of current affairs as presented in British television and radio news programmes. The course aims to provide practice in listening strategies which will help develop an understanding and awareness of current international issues. Materials will primarily consist of video and cassette recordings, and work will focus on the verbal strategies used by speakers and interviewers and on developing awareness of underlying attitudes. It will also include note-taking skills development, and a study of phonological features and of vocabulary used in news programmes. Learning Outcomes By the end of the course you will have become more familiar with the perspective on international issues adopted in British news programmes. You will have become sensitised to the language and phonological features used in news and current affairs programmes, have developed your listening and interpretive skills, and have evolved strategies for understanding authentic broadcasts. You will also have gained experience in note-taking and summarising key points. Assignment Format Your listening skills will be assessed throughout the course, and there will also be an assessed task in Week 7 consisting of listening to a cassette or watching a video, note-taking, and providing a summary. Course Materials Audio recordings and handouts.



English for Academic Study 1 Michaelmas Term 2011 (3 October – 16 December)

Course Content Over the course of this term, you will consider the following:

� Learning styles/intelligences � British academic culture � Academic concepts/terminology at Oxford University � Lectures and note-taking � Effective interaction and intercultural awareness � Time management and forward planning techniques � Critical thinking and problem solving � Introduction to academic writing (organisation, referencing, avoiding plagiarism)

Learning Outcomes By the end of the course you should have developed successful strategies to enable you to:

� Communicate effectively in seminars � Evaluate improvement towards personal language goals � Appreciate different types of problems and problem solving � Critically select reference sources for academic writing � Plan and structure an academic essay � Effectively analyse essay types and requirements

Assignment Format No assessment. Course Text Godfrey, J. 2009. How to Use Your Reading in Your Essays, Palgrave Macmillan.



Use of English 1 Michaelmas Term 2011 (3 October – 16 December)

Course Content The course is designed to focus on core grammatical areas and on their use in oral and written contexts. Classes will concentrate on reviewing and clarifying problematic areas, and will provide you with opportunities for spoken and written practice. In addition to the formal assignments, there will also be weekly recycling activities in class, and ongoing assessment of accuracy and fluency in the spoken activities. The course content will be adapted to the needs of the group. Learning Outcomes By the end of the term you should have:

� Developed a clearer understanding of the grammar structures studied � Improved your grammatical accuracy in speaking and writing � Gained more confidence in your choice and use of English grammar patterns � Developed your ability to monitor and self-correct your grammar in writing

Assignment Format There will be three short essays, set as homework, and two grammar tests, done in class in weeks 4 and 9. Course Text Wellman, G. & Side, R. 2002. Grammar and Vocabulary for Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency. Longman.


Hilary Term 2012


Diplomacy in Practice 2 Hilary Term 2012 (16 January – 23 March)

Course Content This term we shall continue discussion of how foreign ministries other government departments and diplomatic missions operate. The outside visits to the FCO, other departments and embassies are of particular importance. Week 1 Diplomatic reporting I Week 2 Diplomatic reporting II Week 3 London Embassy visits Week 4 Discussion of issues arising from embassy visits Week 5 Briefing ministers I (written and oral briefings) Week 6 Briefing ministers II (role play) Week 7 Diplomatic Presentation preparation Week 8 Diplomatic Presentation seminars Week 9 Negotiation Exercise I Week 10 Negotiation Exercise II

Learning Outcomes By the end of the course, students should have acquired greater understanding of today’s diplomatic world.

Assignment Format Students will be expected to complete short presentations and a written assignment. Due Date 15 March 2012 Recommended Reading Berridge. 1996. International Politics (3

rd Ed). Prentice Hall.



British Politics from Thatcher to Cameron Hilary Term 2012 (16 January – 23 March)

Course Content This course provides an introduction to British politics and government. It will examine the post-1945 historical background, the distinctive features of the British Constitution and system of government, and the development of the party and electoral systems. Within that framework, the course will proceed to consider some of the key events, developments and issues in British politics from the election of the first of Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative governments in 1979 to the formation of the first coalition government in Britain since 1945, under David Cameron’s leadership.

Learning Outcomes This course aims to provide students with a better knowledge and understanding of modern British politics and government, together with a critical awareness of some of the key developments and issues in British politics over the last 30 years.

Assignment The assignment will be an essay (1,500-2,000 words). Students will be expected to choose their essay topic from a list of titles provided by their tutor.

Course Content Weeks 1 & 2 The British Constitutional System; the British system of government and its distinctive features; the nature and evolution of the British party system. Week 3 British politics since 1945; the foundations of the post-war consensus. Week 4 Britain and Europe, 1945-1979. Week 5 The Thatcher Government 1979-1990: the break with the post-war consensus. Week 6 The Conservative Governments and Europe 1979-1997. Weeks 7 & 8 Tony Blair and the rise of ‘New Labour’ 1994 - 1997 Weeks 9 & 10 From Brown to Cameron and Coalition 2007-2010

Due Date Thursday 15 March, 2012.

Recommended reading Budge, I. et al. 2007 The New British Politics (4

th edition). Pearson Longman.

Coxall, B. & Robbins, L. 1997 British Politics since the War, Macmillan Jones, B. et al. 2007 Politics UK (6

th edition). Pearson Longman.

Leach, R., et al. 2006 British Politics. Palgrave Macmillan. Morgan, K. O. 2001 Britain since 1945: the People’s Peace (3

rd edition). OUP.

Pre-course reading *Before the course starts you should read one of the following: Budge, I. et al. Chapters 1-3, or Jones, B. et al. Chapters 1& 2, or Leach, R. et al. Part 1.



Issues in Contemporary Diplomacy – Guest Speakers Hilary Term 2012 (16 January – 23 March)

Course Content Issues in Contemporary Diplomacy is a series of guest lectures aimed at introducing and discussing a wide range of topics in contemporary global relations. Classes will be given by guest academics, former and serving diplomats, international business professionals and prize-wining journalists including: Topics in 2011 included the following:

� Foreign Policy Reporting � Russia in NATO’s New Strategic Concept � President Obama’s Foreign Policy Agenda � Iran � Functions of the EBRD in European countries in transition � Issues in Afghanistan and Pakistan � Belgium’s experience of the EU Presidency � Disarmament Diplomacy � International Law � The Western Balkans: Lessons and Challenges for the EU

Learning Outcomes By the end of the course students should have acquired greater understanding of today’s diplomatic world. Assignment Format There is no assignment.



European Politics since 2000 Hilary Term 2012 (16 January – 23 March)

Course Content This course aims to explain the recent developments across a range of issues which affect European countries. Over the last decade it deals with the rise and fall of ‘New Left’ governments and then the return to power of parties of the right, examining the extent of consensus politics in the ‘post-ideological’ era. Particular attention is paid to the role and economic power of Germany, the UK’s political divergence form the European mainstream, the challenge facing the Sarkozy presidency in France, and political change in Scandinavia, Italy, Greece and Iberia. As well as country-specific studies, the course also evaluates common themes in European politics such as secularisation, post-Christianity, the domestic challenge of Islam, and the impact of Russia and Eastern Europe on West European policy. Week 1 & 2 UK Politics (1) from Blair to Brown: the rise and fall of New Labour Week 3 From Schroeder to Merkel: German politics left, right and centre Week 4 Politics in southern Europe: France, Greece and Iberia in flux Week 5 Politics in Northern Europe: Scandinavia’s enduring ‘social model’ Week 6 Politics in Eastern Europe: No longer in Russia’s shadow? Week 7 Political Sociology of Europe: The domestic challenge of Islam Week 8 Politics of Austerity: Europe’s Economy falters 2008-2011 Week 9 & 10 UK Politics (2) Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition; reshaping British politics?

Learning Outcomes This course aims to provide students with a better knowledge and understanding of contemporary European politics and government, together with a critical awareness of some of the key developments and issues in European politics over the last 10 years.

Assignment Format This will be based on an essay of 2000 words.

Due Date Thursday 15

June 2012.



Current International and Economic Affairs 2 Hilary Term 2012 (16 January – 23 March)

Course Content This will take the form of a 90-minute class, based on the current issue of The Economist magazine. Students choose articles on current international, political and economic affairs and make oral presentations on the topics, concentrating on accuracy, coherence and conciseness. We also debate topical international news stories which need analysis. Students are expected to contribute to the class discussions which result. Learning Outcomes By regularly reading articles in the Economist, preparing and listening to presentations on current topics, and then discussing them, students should have developed their knowledge of these issues as well as learning how to produce fluent, concise, informative and tightly-organised presentations. Assignment Format Each student will give at least one 10 minute presentation. They will also be set a 1500-2000 word assignment. Due Date Thursday 15 March 2012.



English for Diplomacy 2 – Media Interview Techniques Hilary Term 2012 (16 January – 23 March)

Course Content Effectively a simulation exercise in public diplomacy, each student is interviewed on video camera as his or her country’s diplomatic representative and is expected to answer questions on current internal politics, foreign policy and regional concerns. The interview is then revisited in detail, with the aim of developing a strategy and tactics to sell the country concerned to an English audience. Learning Outcomes Students are encouraged to gain confidence in front of a camera and to learn how to take control of an interview, pursuing their own agendas, so as to present their countries in the most positive light. Assignment Format No assignment.



English for Academic Study 2 Hilary Term 2012 (16 January – 23 March)

Course Content During the first half of this term, you will consider the following:

� Essay planning, design and time management � Learning from feedback: developing strategies for improvement � Planning tutorial essays: scope, expectations and research skills � Achieving flow in academic writing: structure, cohesion and coherence � Quoting and citing in essays � Academic research skills � Academic style and register � Development of drafting, editing, redrafting and proofreading skills

During the second half of this term, you will consider a range of student performances in academic writing assignments. You will analyse selected essays and parts thereof with the aim of identifying and critiquing:

� Structure, organisation, cohesion, coherence � Serious linguistic errors, e.g. tense use and grammar � Style and register � Issues concerning padding, plagiarism, referencing, abbreviations and numbers � Usage of charts, graphs and tables � Common problems with tables of contents and appendices

Learning Outcomes By the end of the course you should have developed successful strategies to enable you to:

� Interpret essay questions and understand tutor expectations � Structure, organise, edit and proofread an academic essay

Assignment Format No assignment Course Text Bitchener, J. 2010 Writing an Applied Linguistics Thesis or Dissertation (A Guide to Presenting Empirical Research), Palgrave Macmillan.



English for Business & Economics 2 Hilary Term 2012 (16 January – 23 March)

Course Content The course will continue the study of the language and terminology used in Business and Economics. Your studies will be based on a blend of course book material and authentic texts from business and economics. Emphasis will be placed on the participants’ selection of texts of interest, which will provide a basis for presentations, discussion work and language development. Homework will consist of reading short topic-based texts as before and preparatory reading for the lessons themselves. Learning Outcomes By the end of the course you should have:

� Expanded your collocations and language for Business and Economics � Developed the language and skills needed to analyse economic trends and to participate in a

range of business situations � Gained more confidence in speaking and writing in business contexts � Developed the ability to focus on topics of personal interest

Assignment Format Progress and assessment will be carried out continuously throughout the term and will cover both written and oral work. Course Text Mark Powell, In Company (Upper Intermediate), Oxford: Macmillan



International Newsroom Listening Skills 2 Hilary Term 2012 (16 January – 23 March)

Course Content The course will focus on developing listening skills and interpretation of current affairs as presented in British television and radio news programmes. The course aims to provide practice in listening strategies which will help develop an understanding and awareness of current international issues. Materials will primarily consist of video and cassette recordings, and off the Internet, with the texts being chosen by the participants themselves as far as possible. There will also be practice in note-taking and summary writing. As in Michaelmas Term, work will include a study of phonological features and of vocabulary used in news programmes. Learning Outcomes By the end of the course you will have become more familiar with the perspective on international issues adopted in British news programmes. You will have become sensitised to the language and phonological features used in news and current affairs programmes, have developed your listening and interpretive skills, and have evolved strategies for understanding authentic broadcasts. You will also have gained experience in note-taking and summarising key points. Assignment Format Your listening skills will be assessed throughout the course, and there will also be an assessed task in Week 8 consisting of listening to a cassette or watching a video, note-taking, and providing a summary.



Use of English 2 Hilary Term 2012 (16 January – 23 March)

Course Content The course will build on the work done in the first term. You will be expected to study core grammatical areas at home to start with; in class you will have the chance to ask for explanations and clarification of areas that seem to you difficult or problematic, as well as opportunities to consolidate with spoken practice and written work. There will also be also be ongoing feedback on accuracy and fluency in spoken language. Learning Outcomes By the end of the term you should have:

� extended and consolidated your understanding of selected grammar structures. � consolidated your grammatical accuracy in speaking and writing. � developed further your range and use of English grammar patterns in speaking. � fine-tuned your ability to monitor and self-correct your grammar in writing.

Assignment Format There will be a number of short essays, set as homework, and grammar tests, done in class. These will focus on the areas of grammar covered. You will submit your written work electronically and your tutor will help you to identify and correct your work. You will be expected to keep a portfolio of the final versions. Due Date The assignments will be given out throughout the term, as appropriate. Course Text Wellman, G. & Side, R. 2002. Grammar and Vocabulary for Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency. Longman.



Diplomatic Simulations Hilary Term 2012 (16 January – 23 March)

Course Content Among the subjects covered during this course are going to be the national interests of the countries of the students involved: security in East and South-East Asia and threats to global security. Students are expected to make short presentations on topics relevant to these and to participate fully in the ensuing debates. In addition; a United Nations’ debate simulation will be used for role-playing by all students. The course outline is as follows:

� Diplomatic Simulation: Crisis in the South China Sea I � Diplomatic Simulation: Crisis in the South China Sea II � Diplomatic Simulation: Threats to Global Security � Diplomatic Simulation: Crisis Meeting � Diplomatic Simulation: TBA � Diplomatic Simulation: TBA

Learning Outcomes To improve the general fluency, accuracy and confidence of each student and to enhance his or hers ability to hold conversation and enter into debates. Our concentration on topics of diplomatic and political importance regionally and internationally will add to the students’ knowledge and appreciation of the world outside their own countries. Assignment Format There are no assignments for this course. Course Text There is no course text. During the course, handouts will be given out.

Foundations of Diplomacy Course - University of Oxford · Negotiating: persuasion ... English for...

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