Description
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the course is to introduce the variety of advanced theories and approaches in the study of International Relations, and to apply these theories to specific issues and events. Questions that can be discussed are: Which theory best explains the American war against Iraq? Is the state (still) the most relevant international actor? Why is international cooperation so difficult? By combining empirical cases with theoretical perspectives, students learn what a theory ‘does’, and vice versa, what it does not provide. This will also reveal questions about philosophy of science: How can we study social events? Does what we see depend on where we stand? What basis is there for our truth claims? The general aim is to explore to what extent and in which way particular theories or approaches help us to better understand contemporary international politics.
Content: The course builds on any previous general Introduction to International Relations course. The sessions are devoted to a discussion of the various approaches in a comparative fashion, based on relevant parts of the compulsory literature. These will be introduced by the lecturer, but students are expected to contribute actively. Because active participation is an essential element of this course, attendance is compulsory.
Assignments: There are both written and oral assignments for this course. The written assignments consist of a response paper in the beginning of the course and a final paper. In addition, students will be assigned to prepare a class presentation on studying the ‘war on terror’ from a particular theoretical perspective and subsequently lead a group discussion.
Methods of instruction
The course is based on active student participation. The meetings will take the form of a structured discussion. This entails an introduction by the instructor, supplemented by contributions of students on the basis of critical essays on assigned readings.
Study material
Literature (approx. 1000 pp):
Textbook: Jennifer Sterling Folker (2006), Making Sense of International Relations Theory. Lynne Rienner (ISBN 1-5826-354-1)
To be supplemented by selected journal articles and book chapters, which will be available through Blackboard/U-Lip and/or a course pack in the library.
Independent library and/or internet research for written assignments.
Examination
Final grades will be calculated on the basis of oral and written assignments, and participation in class discussions (including attendance).
Time table
Tuesday September 2, till October 21, 15.00 -17.00 p.m. in Ch07 and (except 9/9 and 21/10 no meeting; 14/10 13.00-15.00 p.m. in SA23)
Thursday September 4, till October 23, from 15.00-17.00 p.m. in Ch09 on 11/09, in Parterrezaal on 18/09, in Ch04 on 25/09, in Ch11 on 2/10 and 9/10 and in 5A37 on 16/10 and 23/10 and
Friday September 26, 15.00-17.00 p.m. in 5A37