INRL20040 Theories and Concepts in International Relations

Academic Year 2023/2024

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 Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Tutorial critical analysis Week 9 n/a Graded No

20
Examination: 40 minute in-person midterm examination. Week 6 No Graded No

25
Examination: Final 2 hour exam, in-person, multiple choice 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

25
Continuous Assessment: Answering in-class poll questions throughout the trimester. Graded on participation, not accuracy. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

15
Continuous Assessment: Tutorial participation Unspecified n/a Graded No

15

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.

Name Role
Thomas Gavois Tutor
Ms Diana Nagle Tutor
Ms Jennifer O'Keeffe Tutor
Smrutimayee Sarangi Tutor
Dino Wildi Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 3 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 3 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Tues 15:00 - 15:50
Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Mon 11:00 - 11:50
Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Mon 12:00 - 12:50
Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Mon 14:00 - 14:50
Tutorial Offering 5 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Tutorial Offering 6 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Tutorial Offering 9 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Tues 14:00 - 14:50
Tutorial Offering 10 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Tutorial Offering 11 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Wed 12:00 - 12:50
Tutorial Offering 12 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
Tutorial Offering 13 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Tutorial Offering 14 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Tutorial Offering 15 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
Tutorial Offering 16 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Thurs 14:00 - 14:50
Tutorial Offering 18 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Mon 15:00 - 15:50
Tutorial Offering 20 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 Tues 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn