HomeCourse

EDS374B International Relations Theory

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Elana Tovah Wilson Rowe

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:250 hours

Teaching and exam period:This course has teaching/evaluation in Spring parallel.

About this course

The course is the second part of a two-part graduate level introduction to International Relations (IR) theory, but can be taken independently. The course 1) surveys critical theoretical approaches in IR and within the broader social sciences, core texts and their objects of study, 2) situates these approaches within the development of International Relations as an academic discipline, and 3) explores and critically discusses their strengths and limitations for understanding key problems and processes in world politics. The course consists of lectures, seminars (dialogue and group activities). A non-graded obligatory contribution to seminars and two assignments make up an individual portfolio-based grade for the course.

Learning outcome

The course aims to provide students with

  • knowledge of critical approaches to international relations, including how to assess IR theories
  • an understanding of the importance of theorizing: why theories and theorizing matter both inside and outside academia.
  • opportunity to develop independent and critical thinking skills
  • enhanced understanding of and capacity to analyse world politics
  • ability to discuss global politics from multiple conceptual perspective.
  • enhanced capacity to work cooperatively on complex material
  • strengthened analytical and writing skills
  • Learning activities

    The course includes lectures and seminars, with each week focusing on one school of thought/perspective. In lecture sessions, the course convenor will provide an overview of this week’s topic, contending perspectives and situate it within the field of IR. The lectures help to guide you through the topics. In order to be successful in this course, you are expected to do the readings and engage in critical discussions in the seminars.

    Every lecture will be followed by a seminar session, where participation is mandatory. A seminar will normally consist of a discussion of the required readings and group work activities to connect the theoretical angle of the week to empirical world problems.

    You are expected to prepare the ‘essential readings’ for the seminar (usually 3 articles or chapter-length readings per week). There are assigned questions for each article that you should be prepared to answer and discuss with the class (in large group format or smaller groups). Students take responsibility to be especially prepared for and lead discussions on one seminar/topic. For a better understanding of the lectures, it also makes sense to do the reading before the lecture. We also provide in additional reading sources - from simpler to more complex options - in the Canvas room that you can use to further your understanding.

  • Teaching support
    How to reach your lecturer for planning and questions will be discussed at the first lecture. The course is set out in a Canvas classroom in advance of the first lecture, along with a short overview document.
  • Prerequisites
    General knowledge of international questions and social science, preferably a bachelor course in social science/global politics. This course can be taken independently, but ideally following the International Relations MA Introductory course (August block) and EDS374A (fall semester).
  • Assessment method

    This course has continuous assessment ("mappevurdering"), consisting of obligatory seminar leadership and two submitted components:

    • 1: Project work on popular culture in IR (group work).
    • 2: A theory-based research paper on a chosen topic of max 3500 words (individual paper).

    The continuous assessment results in one final grade. In this final grade, exam component I takes up 40% and exam component II takes up 60%. Grades are on an A-F scale. The exam is in English.

    Students can appeal against the final grade and this results in re-assessment of both exam components towards a new final grade. Both the group work and the theory-based research paper must be written in English.



    Continuous assessment Grading: Letter grades
  • Examiner scheme
    Both internal and external examiners participate in the grading.
  • Mandatory activity
    Students are obligated to take particular responsibility/leadership in discussions one week (pass/fail in your portfolio grade). Students can select the seminar topic/week for which they want to take extra responsibility at the start of the course (in Canvas).
  • Notes
    -Non-obligatory fieldtrips with some small costs (train ticket, lunch) may be offered.
  • Teaching hours
    approximately 50 hours
  • Preferential right
    M-IR and M-GEP
  • Admission requirements
    Relevant bachelor degree or equivalent.