INRL20040 Theories and Concepts in International Relations

Academic Year 2020/2021

This course explores the main theoretical strands in the contemporary study of international relations. Students are introduced to several key approaches in the study of international relations, including realism, neorealism, Marxism, liberalism and interdependence theory and democratic peace theory, and to the central empirical questions these seek to address: Are states the only significant actors in world politics? Is the international system constituted in a way that makes war sometimes inevitable? Is the international conduct of many states guided more by economic objectives than by the quest for military security? Are democracies set never to go to war against one another? Is war partially rooted in human psychology? What are the political consequences of growing social and economic interaction between states and societies? What is the role and relevance of international institutions?

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should:grasp the major contemporary theoretical approaches to international relations; know how to evaluate different approaches with respect to their theoretical consistency and empirical applicability;be able to identify different levels of analysis in international relations; be familiar with key empirical issues in international relations.

Indicative Module Content:

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20
Tutorial

7
Autonomous Student Learning

95
Total

122
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module consists of lectures and tutorials which students are required to attend. Students should complete the relevant readings prior to each lecture. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students intending to take this course should already have successfully completed Level one modules in Politics including INRL10040 - Introduction to International Politics or INRL10010 - Foundation of Political Theory and IR.

Other courses may be substituted but only with permission.
In this case, a request should be sent to the module coordinator with (a) a list of relevant courses already taken and (b) GPA to date.

Learning Recommendations:

Students intending to take other courses in International Relations at Levels 2 or 3 should take this course.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
International Relations (POL20040)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Continuous through tutorials Unspecified n/a Graded No

40
Examination: Final 2 hour exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

60

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Two in-class exercises allow students to ascertain their knowledge of the module content throughout the term. Students will also receive feedback on their tutorial essays.