Tags
WP
Admissions requirements
Introduction to International Relations & Diplomacy
Description
The course revisits foreign policy and the practice of diplomacy in an increasingly chaotic world, characterized by power changes and shifts and geopolitical rivalry. It aims at understanding the complexity of how foreign policy is made in this context. Foreign policy analysis in a number of key multilateral organisations will be discussed (EU, UN, and OSCE) including the role of important nations and the way they protect their perceived interests. Students will engage in simulating the practice of diplomacy to gain more insight into its practical potential as well as its limits.
Course objectives
Understand the complexity of foreign policy and diplomatic studies.
Understand how foreign policy is made and what modern diplomacy is about.
Apply disciplinary ideas of foreign policy and diplomacy in a bilateral as well as multilateral environment.
Find, evaluate and critically read relevant academic literature and other information.
Report on findings orally and in writing using the appropriate formats.
Timetable
Once available, timetables will be published in the e-Prospectus.
Mode of instruction
The course will meet twice a week for a two-hours seminar, of which the first will be divided into a weekly one-hour plenary lecture followed by one hour of discussion. The second weekly class will be devoted to simulations/presentations on foreign policy scenarios where students will engage in role-playing.
The plenary lectures will address the concept of foreign policy and diplomacy from various perspectives and disciplines and introduces the methodology to research within a given discipline. For the topic of each lecture, please see the weekly overview.
Active participation in class discussions is required. Students will come to all class meetings prepared to discuss the reading, analyse current events in light of the reading, ask relevant questions, and answer questions from the instructor or other students. Students will be asked to participate in discussions on the course as discussants for each simulation. Three questions must be prepared for the lectures on the basis of the required readings.
Each week a group of students is tasked with preparing a mini simulation during which they will act as representatives of the nations involved in the given scenario. Attention should be paid to both bilateral or when relevant multilateral diplomacy at the level of nations or International Organisations. Students will also be trained in trying to draft a consensual text after their deliberations. We expect the students to present their country positions on Blackboard well in advance of their presentations in class.
Assessment
Position paper. 22%
Mini simulation, 19%; Ongoing weeks 1-8
Take-home essay (3000 words), 40%; week 8
In-class attendance and participation as a discussant, 19%; Ongoing weeks 1-8
Blackboard
There will be a Blackboard site available for this course. Students will be enrolled at least one week before the start of classes.
Reading list
Weekly readings to be stated in the syllabus, which will be uploaded to Blackboard approx. 2 weeks before class starts.
Registration
This course is open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Registration is coordinated by the Education Coordinator. Interested non-LUC students should contact course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.