Tag(s)
WP
Admission Requirements
Successfully completed 100-level World Politics course.
Description
This course deepens students’ understanding of the central theoretical debates and concepts in the study of international politics as introduced in earlier courses. It examines a broad range of theories including classical realism, neorealism, neoliberalism, and social constructivism, as well as post-structuralism and critical theory. Students will develop their ability to critically engage with international politics theories, and learn how to assess their assumptions, methodological implications and inherent limitations and restrictions.
This course also explores several substantive issues and concepts with reference to real-world current events and controversies in international politics, which are analysed through application of the differently theoretical perspectives covered in the course. In doing so, students learn to apply, and evaluate the applicability of, various key theories of international politics. The course is open to students interested in international politics/relations and theory specifically, as well as those who are interested in political theory in general.
Course Objectives
Students will develop their ability to critically engage with international politics theories, and learn how to assess their assumptions, methodological implications and inherent limitations and restrictions. The current events and controversies component not only covers issues of conceptual interest and theoretical application, but also helps students develop a well-informed position on contemporary world affairs. In addition, students will work on developing their debating, discussion and writing skills.
Literature
Thayer, Bradley & Nuray Ibryamova. (eds.) 2009. Debates in international relations. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Longman.
Selected articles available via the (digital) Leiden University library.