Tags
WP
Admission requirements
None.
Course description
This course introduces students to the main issues in contemporary international relations. The aim is to provide students with basic knowledge about the two dominant patterns of behaviour in international relations: conflict and cooperation. The course also provides an introductory overview of the major approaches and theories of international politics, such as realism, liberalism and social constructivism. Specific historical and contemporary issues are studied from these perspectives.
Weekly overview
Session 1: Introduction to the Course: Defining International Relations
PART I: THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Session 2: The Idea of ‘International Society’ and the Birth of the Contemporary International Society
Session 3: The Expansion of International Society and Two World Wars
Session 4: The Cold War between the Superpowers
Session 5: Competing Visions of the Post-Cold War Order: ‘End of History’ vs. ‘Clash of Civilisations’
PART II: THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Session 6: Theorising International Politics – Liberal Internationalism and Its Realist Critics
Session 7: Theorising International Politics – From Neo-Realism to Liberal Institutionalism
Session 8: Theorising International Politics – The English School and Constructivism
Session 9: Theorising International Politics – Post-positivist approaches to International Relations
PART III: DEBATES IN INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
Session 10: Terrorism: Can terrorism be Morally Justified?
Session 11: Iran’s Possession of Nuclear Weapons: The Danger of Nuclear Weapons vs. The Necessity of Nuclear Weapon
Session 12: The Rise of ‘Rest’: Confronting China vs. Engaging China
Session 13: Democracy: Democratic Peace vs. The Dangers of Democratisation
Session 14: Humanitarian Intervention: Humanitarian Intervention as a Moral Obligation vs. Humanitarian Intervention as a Threat to Order in the International System of States
Learning objectives
In this course, students will learn valuable theoretical, methodological and analytical skills enabling them to interpret and understand key issues in the international politics. By the end of the course each student is expected to have acquired the following skills and knowledge:
Understanding of Contemporary International Politics
critically identify and discuss key issues surrounding the history and development of contemporary international politics;
A critical awareness of the key debates concerning contemporary international politics;
identify and critically evaluate key issues pertaining to contemporary international politics.
Knowledge of International Relations Theories
demonstrate a basic understanding of International Relations Theory
critically reflect upon key theories and concepts of International Relations Theory using a variety of case studies related to contemporary international politics;
apply conceptual tools to analyse key events and processes in contemporary international politics.
Intellectual Skills
demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative and transferable skills, develop the capacity for independent learning, critique major texts on contemporary international politics, and participate in class debates;
display the confidence to present their arguments in relevant academic contexts (seminars, workshops, conferences) to other students of world politics.
Mode of instruction
The course is taught through two-hour seminars. During the course of the seminar students are expected to take part in both large and small group discussions; participate in seminar discussions; present and defend their ideas within an academic setting; and take part in group projects. The role of the instructor is to ensure the efficient running of the discussion. Each seminar has a ‘required reading’ list that must be read in advance of each seminar. Students are also recommended to read some of the items listed under ‘suggested reading’ prior to each seminar and use the extended list as a starting point in their preparation for essay writing.
Assessment
Four elements of coursework constitute the final mark for the course:
Participation 15%
Presentation 25%
Formal Exam 30%
Final paper (2,500 words) 30%
Contact information
Yih-Jye Hwang
y.c.huang@luc.leidenuniv.nl