Studiegids

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Analyzing International Relations

Vak
2026-2027

Admission requirements

This course is open to all students enrolled in the IRO specialisation of the BSc Political Science and to exchange students with pre-approval, provided that exchange students have successfully completed Introduction to International Relations (or an equivalent course at another university).

Description

This course explores various theoretical approaches to international relations with a focus on the nature of the international system and the dynamics and evolution of international cooperation and global governance. It builds upon the first-year Introduction to International Relations, complements other mid-level thematic courses, and provides a foundation for more advanced study of international relations.

Course objectives

  1. To develop students’ abilities to interpret and critique classic and contemporary scholarship on international relations
  2. To deepen students’ understanding of the nature of the international system and the dynamics of international cooperation and global governance in a changing world
  3. To prepare students for more advanced courses and independent (thesis) research in international relations

Schedule

The timetables are available through MyTimetable (see the button in the upper right corner).

Teaching method

The principal mode of instruction is lectures, supplemented by optional small group discussions.

Assessment method

The final grade will be based on a single exam with one re-sit opportunity composed of multiple-choice questions (50%) and open questions (50%).

Resit, review & feedback

The time and location of inspection and debriefing of the exam will be announced via Brightspace no later than the publication of the grades.

Reading list

Readings will be journal articles and book chapters available electronically via the university library.

Registration

General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website (https://www.student.universiteitleiden.nl/en/your-study-programme/courses-and-exams/enrolment/social-and-behavioural-sciences/international-relations-and-organisations-bsc?cd=international-relations-and-organisations-bsc&cf=social-and-behavioural-sciences#tab-1).

Contact

For substantive questions, contact the lecturer(s) (listed in the right information bar).  For questions about enrolment, contact the Student Services Centre: ssc@leiden.edu.