INRL20040 Theories and Concepts in International Relations

Academic Year 2024/2025

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.

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Curricular information is subject to change

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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Mid-term exam covering the first half of the course material. Week 6 Graded No

25

 No
Exam (In-person): Final exam covering all course content End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No

25

 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Answering in-class poll questions throughout the trimester. Graded on participation, not accuracy. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded No

15

 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Tutorial critical analysis- essay written in groups during tutorials. Week 10 Graded No

20

 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Tutorial Participation Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded No

15

 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.