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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Theories of International Relations |
| Unit code |
POLI10003 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
C/4
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Michel |
| 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 |
Description including Unit Aims
The unit provides an introduction into the theoretical and conceptual foundations of the discipline of International Relations. It covers highly influential texts and authors, broader theoretical traditions and empirical cases to demonstrate the intrinsic connections between theory, concepts and empirical examples. It traces the main theoretical influences and positions that have driven various stages of the discipline in relation to central historical and political developments. As such it provides the theoretical background that students require to successfully progress through their degree.
The unit specifically aims to:
- introduce students to key theoretical and conceptual debates in International Relations
- familiarise students with core authors and texts in International Relations in the 20th and 21st centuries
- demonstrate the mutual relationship between the development of theoretical approaches and historical circumstances in international politics
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate awareness of the key theoretical approaches in International Relations and their main assumptions
- demonstrate understanding of the key concepts and terminologies used in International Relations scholarship
- critically engage with the historical contingencies shaping the development of different traditions in international thought
- critically engage with the strength and weaknesses of particular theoretical approaches in International Relations
Teaching Information
2h of lectures and a 1h seminar
Assessment Information
1500 word essay (formative)
2000 word essay (100%)
The assessments will assess all of the Intended Learning Outcomes listed above
Reading and References
- Jenny Edkins and Maja Zehfuss (ed.), Global Politics. A New Introduction, 2nd edition, Routledge: New York, 2014.
- Colin Elman and Michael A. Jensen (eds.), Realism Reader, Routledge: New York, 2014
- Steve Smith et al (eds.), International Theory: Positivism and beyond, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996.
- Chris Brown with Kirsten Ainley, Understanding International Relations, 3rd edition, Palgrave MacMillan: New York, 2005.
- Tim Dunne et al (eds.), International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity, 3rd edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013
- Keith L. Shimko, International Relations: Perspectives, Controversies & Readings, 4th international edition, Wadsworth, 2013.
