Spring 2026

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This module provides students with an opportunity to link between International Relations theoretical underpinnings acquired in other modules and their relevance and applicability in the daily work of practitioners in the complex environment of international affairs. The objective of the module is to enhance students’ understanding of the challenges practitioners of international relations face in different sectors of society, including government departments, the diplomatic service, the security forces, civil society, the business world, and traditional and new media. Throughout the course emphasis will be placed on understanding how applying theories and concepts enhances practitioners’ performance. Students will have the opportunity to practice multiple real-world roles of international professionals, whether desk or field jobs, and hone a wide-range of essential skills relevant to the field of international relations.

All students on the following Moodle site should be enrolled via Allocator and assigned this module code. AHS000P100S

This module previously had an old module code: ENV020L014S

What is young adult fiction? Is it a description of a type of story, or is it a genre in itself? What distinguishes it from fiction for children and fiction for adults? And why do we need it?

In The Invention of YA we’ll explore the development of the ‘young adult’ genre by reading widely and internationally. We’ll think about YA tropes and how they’re subverted in the best YA fiction. We’ll remember all those characters in children’s literature we wanted more from, and imagine their after- lives. We’ll explore the history of YA literature in myth and wonder tale, and look at how these stories invite us to cross borders and inhabit liminal spaces. We’ll join gold-blooded warriors in a fictionalised West Africa, return to Narnia with innocence lost, and visit chilling dystopias on the brink of revolution. We’ll ride a magical train across the galaxy. We’ll listen to The Smiths with a 90s high school freshman.

In the module summary, the set text for the week is in bold—that’s our compulsory reading. There’s also a companion piece, which I strongly encourage you to look at as well. I’ve tried to make these fun and interesting — films, songs, short stories, or shorter novels you’re likely to know something about already.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at joanna.gilar@roehampton.ac.uk