Theories and Concepts in International Relations
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| POLI4006 | Politics and International Relations | 4 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- POLI4006
- School
- Politics and International Relations
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The war in Ukraine and disputes over Taiwan have led to huge geo-political tensions. At the same time, rising energy prices have undermined efforts to move away from fossil fuels against the background of climate change. These contemporary political and economic developments have both brought to the fore global dynamics of co-operation and confrontation. Whilst it might be possible to agree on the significance of these events, the explanation and/or understanding of them is dependent on prior theoretical choices.
The purpose of this module is to make students aware of the diversity of approaches to international theory. Within International Relations (IR) theory there exist highly divergent interpretations and applications of key concepts (e.g., power, the state, agency, structure, and world order) as well as contested views about the practical purpose underpinning theories of world politics.
The overall aim of the module is to provide students with a solid theoretical and conceptual grounding in this diversity. As a result, it will be possible to recognise not only how international theory informs policy-making and practice but also how truly contested the underlying assumptions of world politics are.
Target Students
Available to PGT and Year 4 MSci International Relations and Global Issues students in the School of Politics and International Relations. Also available to students on the MRes Politics and International Relations plan, and incoming exchange students based in the School of Politics and International Relations.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: 1500-word coursework.
- 60% Coursework 2: 2500-word coursework.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to: familiarise students with the contemporary literature and debates in IR theory, establish competence in a variety of approaches, appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of competing approaches, develop an understanding of how key concepts are conceived and applied in international relations, develop a critical comparison of the application of the dominant explanatory models, and understand the reasons for the use of specific approaches.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
* Understand the difference between positivist and post-positivist approaches at a meta-theoretical level;
* Outline the core theoretical approaches of International Relations; and
* Comprehend the ways of how theoretical choices influence research strategies and explanations.
Intellectual and Transferable Skills
* Demonstrate a particular knowledge in the area of International Relations theory covering conceptual considerations as well as a range of different approaches;
* Think about the nature of theory in a reflective and critical way;
* Interpret key texts on theoretical approaches in the field of International Relations and apply them to case studies;
* Deal with abstract, theoretical material thereby fostering individual commitment and resilience to grapple with complex concepts;
* Analyse concepts and theories, evaluate competing ideas and produce articulate, well-structured arguments.
Digital Capabilities
* Gain experience using the internet as a research tool.
* Build confidence organizing and presenting data.
Conveners
- Dr Caroline Vanessa Pupavac