Module overview
Although a ‘common sense’ view of world politics is often presented in non-academic contexts, there is little agreement among experts on what international relations is, and how we should think about the discipline. This module enables students to critically examine the conventional wisdom and as a result
to gain a more critical understanding of international relations. The module emphasizes that ‘the truth’ about international relations is disputed and analyses competing knowledge claims
Pre-requisite for PAIR3001 and PAIR3005
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: PAIR1001 or PAIR1002 or PAIR1004 or PAIR1005
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Analyse the purpose, coherence, and contradictions of contemporary theories of international relations
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Summarise the arguments from academic literature in way which presents the core of the academic contribution to knowledge
- Evaluate the contribution of different theories of international relations to our understanding and explanation of international relations
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply IR theories and approaches to better understand different events and processes in the world
Syllabus
The syllabus will cover (but not be restricted to): mainstream IR theories and more reflective approaches to theorising and understanding international relations.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching will be 2 hours of lectures per week. All will be recorded and posted on Blackboard. Lectures will be delivered either face to face or online only depending upon University and Public Health England Guidance at the time. Total of 24 hours of lectures (2 hours per week X 12 weeks) per module.
6 weeks of seminars once every two weeks.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 36 |
| Independent Study | 114 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Baylis, Smith. The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations. OUP.
Brown, Ainley. Understanding International Relations. Palgrave.
Jackson and Sorenson. Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches. OUP.
Burchill, et al. Theories of International Relations. Palgrave.
Brown, Ainley. Understanding International Relations. Palgrave.
Dunne, Kurki and Smith,. International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity. OUP.
Baylis, Smith. The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations. OUP.
Burchill, et al.,. Theories of International Relations. Palgrave.
Dunne, Kurki and Smith. International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity. OUP.
Carlsnaes, Risse, Simmons. Handbook of International Relations. SAGE.
Jackson and Sorenson. Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches. OUP.
Carlsnaes, Risse, Simmons. Handbook of International Relations. SAGE.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 50% |
| Essay | 40% |
| Seminar presentation | 10% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 50% |
| Essay | 50% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 50% |
| Essay | 50% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External