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INRL20040

Academic Year 2023/2024

Theories and Concepts in International Relations (INRL20040)

Subject:
International Relations
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Politics & Int Relations
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Joshua Alley
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

What drives conflict and cooperation in international relations? Why do countries fight? Why do countries trade? When do international organizations matter? Can countries work together to protect the environment? What leads to civil war and state collapse?

This course explores all these questions and more. We will do so by looking carefully at different theories and concepts scholars have used to understand and explain international relations. These include big paradigms like realism, liberalism and constructivism, as well as more focused concepts like deterrence, comparative advantage, and the tragedy of the commons.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, you will...
• Identify multiple ways of analyzing international politics.
• Understand common motivations, interests and problems in international relations.
• Practice using different concepts and skills to understand international relations.
• Be better positioned to assess international relations policies.

Indicative Module Content:

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Tutorial

7
Autonomous Student Learning

96
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module consists of lectures and tutorials which students are required to attend. Students should complete the relevant readings prior to each lecture.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students intending to take this course should already have successfully completed Level one modules in Politics including INRL10040 - Introduction to International Politics or INRL10010 - Foundation of Political Theory and IR.

Learning Recommendations:

Students intending to take other courses in International Relations at Levels 2 or 3, or who want to learn more about international politics generally should take this course.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
International Relations (POL20040)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Examination: 40 minute in-person midterm examination. Week 6 No Graded No
25
 No
Continuous Assessment: Answering in-class poll questions throughout the trimester. Graded on participation, not accuracy. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No
15
 No
Continuous Assessment: Tutorial critical analysis Week 9 n/a Graded No
20
 No
Continuous Assessment: Tutorial participation Unspecified n/a Graded No
15
 No
Examination: Final 2 hour exam, in-person, multiple choice 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No
25
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Two in-class exercises allow students to ascertain their knowledge of the module content throughout the term. Students will also receive feedback on their tutorial essays.

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