DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU

Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2014 - 2015

Module Title Int.Relations Theory
Module Code LG514
School School of Law & Government

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorDr. Ken McDonaghOffice NumberC225
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

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.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the main international relations theories
2. Explain the differences between the various theoretical traditions in International Relations
3. Apply the theories to real world cases
4. Analyse international events using the appropriate theoretical lense
5. Combine commensurate theories in order to formulate new approaches to international events



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture22Lecture and in class discussion
Independent Study228Reading, assignment preparation
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Students will focus on the following topics and/or attend to the following

Introduction and Review
This section will introduce the students to the academic discipline of international relations and review the theories covered during the course

Classical theories of IR: Thucydides, Hobbes & Machiavelli
This lecture and seminar will examine the intellectual antecedents to contemporary international relations theory and explore the use and misuse of historical thinkers within the discipline

The Emergence of IR as an academic discipline
This lecture examines the emergence of IR as a distinct academic discipine. Students will be introduced to the theory of liberalism

Carr, Morgenthau & the Birth of Realism
This lecture introduces modern Realism as an approach to IR through examining the works of Hans Morgenthau and EH Carr

Science v Tradition: Behaviouralism v the English School
This lecture looks at the 2nd debate. This will be placed in the context of debates within the Philosophy of the Social Sciences and the implications of these debates for researchers in IR

Structure and Systems: Neo Realism and Neo-Liberalism
This lecture explores the main differences between the two main theories IR in the contemporary mainstream of the discipline

Post-positivism – Critique or Crisis?
This lecture looks at alternative approaches to IR theory that challenge positivist social science

Constructivism – A via media?
This lecture examines attempts by Constructivist scholars to build a bridge between the contemporary mainstream and the more radical approaches of Post-postivist scholars

Critical Theory
Does IR theory have duty to speak truth to power? This lecture explores this question by way of examining the contribution of the Frankfurt School and Gramsci to IR theory

Add women & stir? – Feminism and IR
Gender has increasingly pushed to the fore as a relevant category for understaning IR. This lecture looks at the feminist contribution and examines the future of a more gender conscious IR

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Tim Dunne, Milja Kurki and Steve Smith: 2014, International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity, 978-0198728955
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
GCIRGrad Cert in International Relations
GDIRGrad Dip in International Relations
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
MIRMA in International Relations
Archives: