This module is a core module for the MSc International Relations. It can be taken as an option module by students studying in related masters fields.
How do we understand the contemporary international system? The module: 1) explains and critiques a number of the leading theories that have been put forward to explain how the international system operates; and 2) applies those theories to a series of case studies. This combination facilitates the exploration of international relations through the practical application of theoretical standpoints.
In the first part of the module we explore the key ideas and philosophies underpinning the study of international relations (IR), including:
- traditional realist theories of interstate relations and great power politics;
- Marxist inspired theories of structural inequalities;
- contemporary pluralist theories focusing on the interaction of state and non-state actors.
In the second part we apply the theories explore in Part 1 to a series of student led international relations case studies of major international issues, both historically and contemporary. The cases will be chosen by the students with guidance from the module leader.
As a bridge between Part 1 and Part 2 the students will explore a case study provided by the module leader to give the students a framework for what is expected in the student led case studies.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Part 1: Theories of International Relations
Bridge: Case Study One Module Leader led case study
Part 2: Student led case studies
The normal delivery pattern in Part 1 will be a weekly cycle of 1 hour lecture to introduce a topic, deepened by students actively reading the relevant key texts, leading to a 1 hour seminar discussion the following week.
Note that during semester 1 students appreciation of the methodological approaches to studying IR is enhanced by synoptic assessments in POM402 Research Methods and Project/Dissertation Proposal to
In Part 2 the strategy is to re-induct students by confirming their historical knowledge and developing their appreciation of key concepts; for students to engage discursively with the core debates and to then apply thematic knowledge and skills through the preparation and presentation of case studies.
The rest of Part 2 will be based around student led case study workshop. The students will organise themselves in groups, each group focussing on one case study. This will happen in two cycles (Case Study 1 and Case Study 2). Each cycle will conclude with student teams presenting their findings to the rest of the module participants and submitting both a joint Power Point presentation and an individual reflective piece on the process.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 12 one hour keynote lectures 12 one hour seminars 4 case study lectures 2x4 case study workshops 2 two hour student led presentations | 12 12 4 8 4 |
| Guided independent study | student independent study | 260 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The assessment allows students to demonstrate a clear knowledge of the key theories of International Relations and engage in a critical analysis of those theories in the context of several case studies.
Students will be assessed on both the theory-led and case study-led aspects. Students will submit an essay and work in groups to prepare two case studies on topics agreed between students and module leader. The case study will be evaluated on both a collective presentation and each student's individual final written submission. One case study will be assessed formatively; the other summatively.
The strategy is to assess concepts of international relations moving from general debates in Part 1 to specific case studies in Part 2.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Critically assess the core theories of international relations | Formatively in seminar group discussion. Summatively in IR Essay |
| Evaluate different disciplinary and methodological approaches used to analyse the international system | Formatively in seminar group discussions. Summatively in IR essay and reflective essay |
| Demonstrate an advanced ability to apply theory to practice through analysing the link between general debates on international relations and practical cases. | Formatively in workshops and Power Point presentation. Summatively in Power Point Presentation and reflective essay. |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Portfolio | 100 |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS a requirement that the major category of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Dunne et al (eds) (2010) International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity, 2nd edition Oxford, Oxford University Press,
Bennett and Elman (2007) ‘Case Study Methods in the International Relations Subfield' Comparative Political Studies, 40, 2
Brown, C. & Ainley, K. (2009) Understanding International Relations. 4th edition
Burchill et al (eds) (2009) Theories of International Relations, London, Palgrave MacMillan, 4th edition
Frieden, Jeffrey (2006) Global CapitalismNew York: W.W. Norton
Goddard, C.; Cronin P. and Dash, K. (eds) (2003) International Political Economy: State-Market Relations in a Changing Global Order. 2nd edition Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan
Nicolson, M. & Fierke, K. (2005) International Relations. 2nd Edition
Ravenhill, J. (ed.) (2011) Global Political Economy. 3rd edition Oxford: Oxford University Press
Steans, G. (2006) Gender and International Relations: Issues, Debates and Future Directions Polity Press