Admission requirements
Admission to the MA International Relations, track International Studies.
Description
This course discusses the theoretical and the empirical dimensions of critical political and
social concepts, ideas and beliefs in the spatial and temporal context of current global
politics. Central to the course is a keen interest in the practical relevance and topicality of
the ideas and beliefs that move and inspire people, governments and states: democracy,
sovereignty, identity, freedom, human rights, legitimacy, et cetera.
The principal claim of this course is that no coherent and balanced understanding of
international relations and global politics is possible without taking into full consideration
the rich diversity of ideas, beliefs and (self) perceptions that are behind current political
changes and events. The course focuses on four clusters of concepts and their global
impact: ideas and institutions, the various dimensions of power and Global Governance,
nationalism and internationalism, and sovereignty and state-building. The course traces
the origin and history of these ideas, beliefs, and practices, as well as their topicality and
contemporary relevance.
Course Objectives
The course requires students to engage with the scholarly debates and the practical
implications concerning critical political and social concepts, ideas and beliefs in global
politics today. Students are required to study both academic texts and other relevant
primary and secondary sources.
Firstly, students will expand their knowledge of the major theories and / or theoretical
approaches of International Studies (including International Relations), with special
reference to those theories that are particularly relevant to our Humanities’ informed
approach.
Additionally, students are required to research and discuss the various manifestations and
global relevance of the key contemporary issues and concepts of international relevance
mentioned above: ideas and institutions, power, global governance, nationalism and
internationalism, and sovereignty and intervention.
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Lecture and seminar
Course Load
24 Hours of classes
120 Hours of reading and class preparation (10 hours per week over 12 weeks)
36 Hours to prepare for the presentations
60 Hours to complete the critical review element
40 Hours to complete the research essay
Total: 280 Hours
Assessment Method
Participation: 20%
Policy Paper: 35%
Critical Reviews: 45%
The resit for the final examined element is only available to students whose mark of the final examined element is insufficient.
Blackboard
Yes, see Blackboard.
Reading list
Literature will be announced on Blackboard before the start of the course.
Registration
Via uSis.
Contact information
With the professor, by e-mail: Prof. A.W.M. Gerrits.