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2020/21 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PIED5578M Theoretical Approaches in International Relations

30 creditsClass Size: 46

Module manager: Dr Hugh Dyer
Email: H.C.Dyer@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Jan to 31 May View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the principal theories of international politics. These include classical theories such as realism and liberalism, plus more contemporary approaches which question the relationship between the state and international order. International Relations theory is a well-established part of the discipline of IR. If you have not covered political theory before this course is taught at an introductory level. Teaching is a combination of lectures and seminars. Topics include: realism, liberalism, gender, green politics, critical international theory, globalisation, sovereignty, new wars, and international organisations.

Objectives

On completion of the module, students should be able to:
1 Demonstrate familiarity with the central approaches to the study of international politics; demonstrate that international politics is a struggle for ideas as well as a struggle for power;
2 Show a capacity to compare these ideological and philosophical approaches with reference to each other, plus their own respective strengths and weaknesses;
3 Demonstrate a capacity to link theoretical ideas to events in the international system, both historical and contemporary;
4 Apply concepts to events in the international system; present written material, of a complex discursive nature, that is logically coherent, well-structured and well-presented;
5 Undertake independent research within the overall structure of a reading list, seminar and lecture plan.

Syllabus

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the principal theories of international politics.

Topics include: realism, liberalism, gender, green politics, critical international theory, globalisation, sovereignty, new wars, and international organisations.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture101.0010.00
Seminar101.0010.00
Private study hours280.00
Total Contact hours20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

There will be opportunities for formative feedback in preparation for the final assignment.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay1 x 4,000 End of term essay100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 12/11/2020 15:29:36

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