Bachelor
2024/2025
The Theory of International Relations
Type:
Compulsory course (International Program 'International Relations and Global Studies')
Area of studies:
International Relations
Delivered by:
Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs
When:
3 year, 3, 4 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Nivedita Kapoor
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
4
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This course will provide students with an introduction to international political theory through an engagement with its main thinkers, debates and developments from the 15th century to present. Apart from looking at the key ideas propounded by leading philosophers that have impacted the field of international theory, the course will also engage with detailed study of how these ideas have been shaped and advanced over centuries, and how they continue to inform the debates in the 21st century.
Learning Objectives
- To provide students with a theoretical base to understand development of international political theory and simultaneously apply this knowledge to their understanding of international politics in the present times.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Applies theories put forth by leading thinkers in the field of international political thought including Hobbes, Grotius, Kant, Marx, Hegel, Mill, Carr, Morgenthau, Waltz, Fanon, Foucault. Analyses the debates within and among these thinkers on issues related to international theory.
- Identifies strengths and weaknesses of various theories to the study of international relations. Demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of connection between classical and modern international political theory.
- Analyses critically the themes in international political theory through application to historical and modern times. Distinguishes the policy approaches to contemporary international relations based on a diversity of approaches in the theoretical domain.
Course Contents
- Classical thinkers in international political theory and international relations theory
- Contemporary theories of international relations
- Empire, race, decolonisation
- Emerging issues in international relations
Assessment Elements
- Seminars25%. The students will be assessed on the basis of their performance in weekly seminars that discuss the assigned readings. The marking is based on their understanding of the readings, participation in the class discussion, answering the questions posed and engaging with the general debate. The students are required to prepare for the seminar by compulsorily studying the essential readings, with a list of further reading guides available for each topic as well.
- Mock Exam25%. The mock exam will be an in-person essay-based exam held in the second or third week of March, the exact date being finalized through discussion with the students. It will cover the topics covered up till the first week of March and students will be required to answer three questions from a list of at least nine questions. They will be judged based on demonstration of knowledge of the course content, critical engagement with the material, an ability to synthesize various strands of debates within any issue and presentation of own ideas/conclusions based on this.
- Final Exam50%. The final exam will be held in the oral format, covering the entire course work taught during the semester. The students will choose two questions randomly from a list of questions available to them and will have about 15 minutes to prepare. They will be judged based on their answer as well as any follow-up questions related to the matter at hand. A retake will be organised if necessary based on university regulations, with the format remaining the same as the final exam.
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Colonialism and modern social theory, Bhambra, G. K., 2022
- Foundations of modern international thought, Armitage, D., 2013
- The globalization of world politics: an introduction to international relations, Baylis, J., 2017
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- The origins of totalitarianism, Arendt, H., 1973