Logo UAB
2023/2024

International Relations Theory

Code: 101089 ECTS Credits: 6
Degree Type Year Semester
2500259 Political Science and Public Management OT 3 2
2500259 Political Science and Public Management OT 4 2
2503778 International Relations OB 2 2

Contact

Name:
Oriol Costa Fernandez
Email:
oriol.costa@uab.cat

Teaching groups languages

You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject. Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2023.


Prerequisites

Students should have some basic backgrond in International Relations. 


Objectives and Contextualisation

The main objective of the course, which is optional and compulsory depenging on the degree, is to familiarise students with the evolution, concepts, theoretical instruments and practical application of IR theories.
Specific objectives
1. To study the notion of international theory, with all its nuances and complexities, and its use to understand and explain the international reality.
2. To present some of the main approaches to the theory of international relations based on: a) a reading of the way they are usually presented in some classic textbooks; b) some sources or classic texts that are usually cited as precedents; c) some basic texts; d) the vision that other more heterodox approaches and visions have of each approach.
3. To have conceptual and analytical frameworks, as well as mappings and tools, to frame and understand theories of international relations.
4. To review some particularly relevant issues: a) the main divides of the neo-realism-neoliberalism debate, both at the theoretical level and on how to manage interdependence; b) the debate between constructuvism and rationalist approaches; c) critical contributions and issues apparently forgotten (and therefore, paradoxically, not forgotten) by the mainstream.
5. Interrogating specific problems of the present agenda from different theoretical positions.


Competences

    Political Science and Public Management
  • Arguing from different theoretical perspectives.
  • Demonstrating they know theoretical tendencies and classical and recent analytical approximations of International Relations.
  • Distinguishing the discipline's main theories and different fields: conceptual developments, theoretical frameworks and theoretical approaches underlying the discipline's knowledge and different areas and sub-areas, as well as their value for the professional practice through concrete cases.
  • Interpreting and applying English texts in an academic way.
  • Managing the available time in order to accomplish the established objectives and fulfil the intended task.
  • Producing and planning researches or analytical reports.
  • Realising effective oral presentations that are suited to the audience.
  • Synthesizing and critically analysing information.
  • Working autonomously.
  • Working in teams and networking, particularly in interdisciplinary conditions.
    International Relations
  • Identify the main theories of international relations and their different fields (international theory, conflicts and security, international politics, etc.) to apply them in professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Arguing from different theoretical perspectives.
  2. Critically assessing the impacts of globalization in several areas: safety, environment, human rights, migrations and peace.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of theoretical trends and classical and recent analytical approaches to international relations.
  4. Demonstrating they know theoretical tendencies and classical and recent analytical approximations of International Relations.
  5. Describe the major approaches to international relations (realism, transnationalism, structuralism).
  6. Describing the international order: anarchy versus order, society of states and transnational society.
  7. Describing the main characteristic elements of the international society as a whole (1945-2000).
  8. Evaluate the different aspects of the different trends and analytical approaches in international relations from a specific methodological and conceptual viewpoint.
  9. Explaining the major approximations to the international relations (realism, transnationalism and structuralism).
  10. Interpreting and applying English texts in an academic way.
  11. Make adequate use of the theory and concepts of international relations (Hobbesian, Grotian and Kantian thought).
  12. Managing the available time in order to accomplish the established objectives and fulfil the intended task.
  13. Producing and planning researches or analytical reports.
  14. Properly using the theory and concepts of international relations (traditions of Hobbesian, Grotian or Kantian thought).
  15. Realising effective oral presentations that are suited to the audience.
  16. Synthesizing and critically analysing information.
  17. Working autonomously.
  18. Working in teams and networking, particularly in interdisciplinary conditions.

Content


BLOCK I. CONTEXT, TOOLS AND BASIC CONCEPTS

1.International Relations and international relations: international system and international society, theoretical reflection; political theory and international theory.
2. The notion of theory and theory change (scientific revolution) in social sciences and International Relations. Types of theory.

BLOCK II. THE GREAT VISIONS AND APPROACHES

3. Classical realism(s)
4. Structural realism, offensive and defensive realism, neoclassical realism
5. Classical liberalism
6. Liberal neo-institutionalism and neo-classical liberalism
7. The "English school" of International Relations and the notion of "international society"
8. Constructivism. Structure and agency in constructivism.
9. Marxism and structuralist views. Neo-Gramscians and critical theory.


BLOCK III. BASIC METATHEORETICAL APPROACHES

10. "Post" approaches: post-structuralism; post-colonials.
11.Approaches based on feminist theory and gender studies.


BLOCK IV. BY WAY OF CONCLUSION

12. Examples of current debates and the current state of international theory.


Methodology

The dedication to the class is divided into different types of activities that, in coherence, are materialised in different requirements and methodologies. This is a 6 ECTS subject, therefore 150 hours. These 150 hours are divided into the following activities:


a) Face-to-face or directed (50 hours, 33.3 %)

Lectures and debates: 20 sessions (40 hours).

Seminars in the classroom: 3 sessions (6 hrs)

Evaluated classroom practical sessions: 2 sessions (4 hrs)


b) Supervised activities: reading controls, text commentaries, tutorials for assignments, comments on exams and assignments: 25 hrs (16.7%).

c) Assessment: 7,5 hrs (5%)

d) Autonomous work of the student (study and work at home and/or library): 67,5 hrs (45%)


2. Practical instructions on the virtual campus material and classroom activity:

Each lecture (or group of related lectures) will have a) a specific outline to guide the face-to-face/directed sessions and related activities; b) one or two compulsory readings; and c) some additional readings or references.

The compulsory readings (beyond references to books or web pages) will be available on the virtual campus, grouped in specific tabs related to each lectures or group of related lectures.

Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.


Activities

Title Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Type: Directed      
Lectures 40 1.6
Practical cases and activities 4 0.16
Seminaries 6 0.24
Type: Supervised      
Control of readings and papers 25 1
Exam 7.5 0.3
Type: Autonomous      
Readings and cases 67.5 2.7

Assessment

-Three reading controls, 20%.

-Two seminar-related evaluations, 30%.

-Final exam, 50%.

 

In order to pass the class, it is necessary, although not sufficient, to obtain at least a mark of 5 (out of 10) in the exam. Obtaining this mark allows a weighted average to be taken with the rest of the marks mentioned above. When the final mark is equal to or higher than 5, the course will be considered passed.

Students who do not pass the exam, despite having taken it, will have the opportunity to take part in the compensation activities and retake it, at the end of the academic period, on the dates proposed by the Faculty. They must also hand in all all other assignments.

More specific instructions and dates will be given in class and on the virtual campus once the course begins.

One-off assessment: There is the option of taking a one-off assessment. It will consist of a final exam (70%) and an oral test (30%) on a selection of (previously announced) readings, to which students may bring the printed materials they consider appropriate.


Assessment Activities

Title Weighting Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Case studies 30% 0 0 1, 4, 6, 13, 9, 15, 12, 10, 16, 18
Final Exam 50% 0 0 1, 4, 6, 15, 12, 10, 16, 18, 14
Readings assessment 20% 0 0 1, 4, 3, 7, 6, 9, 5, 12, 10, 16, 17, 14, 11, 2, 8

Bibliography

Only two handbooks are proposed here. In Campus Virtual, required and optional readings will be detailed for each group of related lessons.

 

Dunne, T., M. Kurki & S. Smith (eds.) (2020, 5th edition) Theories of International Relations: Discipline and Diversity, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Jorgensen, Knud Erik (2010), International Relations Theory. A New Introduction, New York: Palgrave Macmillan.


Software

none