Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2009 - 2010
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This course introduces students to the field of international relations theory. We will examine in some detail the main theoretical approaches in international politics and analyse how they may be helpful in explaining the most relevant issues affecting global politics today. The course is divided into two sections: Part One examines the dominant perspectives in International Relations Theory from the initiation of the discipline to the present, while Part Two looks at more recent developments that offer critiques of the mainstream approaches. Throughout the course, readings, lectures, presentations, and discussion will be directed at understanding the link between theory and practice, with a view to highlighting the complexities of contemporary global politics - the so-called 'New World Order' - and familiarising ourselves with theoretically-informed understanding of same. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Assume that a 10 credit module load represents approximately 150 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indicative Syllabus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Introduction & Overview: What is International Relations? History & Concepts – Theories of International relations: Traditions and debates - Realism – Liberalism - Marxist-Leninist Approaches - Neo-Realism & Neo-Liberalism – Paradigm Lost: Positivism Vs. Post-Positivism – Constructivism - Critical Theory – Postmodernism - Feminism – Conclusion: IR Theory in a world of Terror | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Baylis, John & Steve Smith (Ed.s). 2005. The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations (Third Ed.). Oxford University Press. Booth, Ken & Steve Smith 1995 International Relations Theory Today Polity Press Boucher, David. 1998. Political Theories of International Relations: From Thuchydides tot the Present. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Brown, Chris. 2005. Understanding International Relations. London: Palgrave. Burchill, Scott & Andrew Linklater (Ed.s). 2005. Theories of International Relations. (Third Ed.). London: Palgrave. Hollis, Martin & Steve Smith 1990 Explanating and Understanding International Relations Oxford University Press Jackson, Robert & Georg Sorensen. 2003. Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches. Oxford: Oxford University Press. McClelland, Charles A. 1960. 'The Function of Theory in International Relations.' The Journal of Conflict Resolutions 4(3). Shannon, Thomas R. 1996. An Introduction to the World System Perspective. Boulder: Westview Press. Walt, Stephen. 1998. 'International Relations: One World, Many Theories.' Foreign Policy Issue 110 (Spring). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MIR | MA in International Relations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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