Description
Students choose (one of) the thesis seminar(s) offered within their specialisation. It is strongly recommended that students start thinking about the topic of their thesis before the start of the classes. Attendance is compulsory for all classes. Detailed information about the study material and the writing process can be found on Brightspace.
Course Objectives
Objective 1: To deepen the understanding of theories and methods related to research on the theme of the Master Specialisation.
Objective 2: Applying them to a specific topic as part of the student’s Master thesis project.
General Introduction Meeting
See 'Information and Deadlines' for the time and date of the introduction meeting.
Themes
Theme 101: TBA (Unknown)
Theme 102: TBA (Dr. M. Sampson)
Theme 103: International Governance (Dr. M. Mos)
Theme 104: International Security (Dr. J. Michaels)
This thesis seminar will investigate the subfield of International Relations dealing with the threat, use, and control of organized violence to achieve political objectives. It examines several key themes, including a historiography of the field, contested definitions of security, deterrence and nuclear weapons, the evolution of war and armed conflict in the 20th and 21st centuries, strategy, the role of Alliances, international law and the limits on the use of force, and the impact of changing technology and social norms. Students will be introduced to the key academic debates and questions dominating the field and the various qualitative and quantitative approaches that have been used to address them. They will not only gain familiarity with the key theorists and texts that dominate the field but will also be exposed to other critical and non-Western perspectives. The seminar is designed to ensure students are provided with a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches to understanding the topic in its historical, contemporary and future contexts.
Assessment method
Grades are based 100% upon the research thesis submitted toward the end of the semester, which is evaluated jointly by the instructor/supervisor and a second reader.
Registration
See 'Information and Deadlines'
Timetable
See 'MyTimetable'