| Unit name | Theories of International Relations |
|---|---|
| Unit code | POLIM3014 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Rob Yates |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit will provide students with an overview of the major theoretical traditions for the analysis of world politics. It will focus on the basic concepts and questions, major scholarly traditions or perspectives, significant debates, and prominent authors in the study of international politics in order that students can develop an appreciation of the terrain of the discipline. The literature coverage will be extensive rather than intensive, indicating the breadth of debate in the field. The theoretical traditions to be covered comprise four from the mainstream camp of IR theory realism, neorealism, neoliberal institutionalism, and constructivism and four critical IR traditions Marxisms, feminisms, postmodernism, and green theory. Overall, the unit is designed better to prepare the student as a scholar and as a citizen to understand the workings of world politics through a greater awareness of the diversity of IR theories and their respective strengths and weaknesses. This unit is only available to students registered for MSc/Diploma degrees in the Department of Politics. Please note that the Department does not permit the auditing of any of its units.
This unit aims to:
On completion the student should be able to:
The following teaching methods will be used:
Formative assessment: an oral presentation supported by a handout Summative assessment: a 3,500 to 4,000 word essay
A full statement of the relationship between the programme outcomes and types/methods of assessment is contained in accompanying Programme Specifications and section B7 of the Major Change to Current Programme forms for the programmes of which this unit is a part. The assessment for each unit is designed to fit within and contribute to that approach in terms of intellectual development across each of the two teaching blocks, and in relation to knowledge and understanding, intellectual skills and attributes, and transferable skills.
