2022/23 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PIED5578M Theoretical Approaches in International Relations

30 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Blake Lawrinson
Email: b.w.lawrinson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2022/23

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

How does International Relations (IR) theory help us make sense of the world? How does the world help us make sense of IR theory? This module aims to introduce students to a range of theoretical approaches to International Relations (IR). It assesses the conceptual foundations of International Relations theory and practice, including anarchy, sovereignty, power and security, as well as providing a critical assessment of traditional and contemporary International Relations theories and approaches. Each theory is applied and critically assessed through a range of empirical case study examples to demonstrate the analytical utility (contributions, strengths, limitations, significance) of theories for explaining international relations in action. This module is taught at an introductory level and requires no prior knowledge or experience of the theories and case studies. Likely topics may include: Sovereignty, anarchy, power, security, Realism and Neorealism, Liberalism and Neoliberalism, The English School, Constructivism, Critical International Theory, Feminism, Postcolonial Theory, Globalisation, and Poststructuralism.

Objectives

1. Understand, explain, and apply a range of theoretical concepts in international relations, including anarchy, sovereignty, power and security.
2. Assess the range of traditional and contemporary theoretical approaches, their relationship and differences, and their application to empirical case studies.
3. Critically assess and apply theoretical approaches to real-world events/issues/cases.
4. Develop students' capacities for independent research and critical analysis.
5. Develop students' verbal and written communication skills.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate familiarity of the different theories, concepts and approaches to the study and practice of international relations.
2. Compare these theories, concepts, and approaches with reference to each other and assess their own respective strengths and weaknesses at an advanced level;
3. Demonstrate an advanced ability to link theoretical ideas and concepts to real-world events/issues/cases in the international system, both historical and contemporary;
4. Apply concepts to real-world events/issues/cases in the international system;
5. Present written material, of a complex discursive nature, that is logically coherent, well-structured and well-presented at an advanced level;
6. 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 a range of theories, concepts, and approaches to international relations.

Likely topics may include: Sovereignty, anarchy, power, security, Realism and Neorealism, Liberalism and Neoliberalism, The English School, Constructivism, Critical International Theory, Feminism, Postcolonial Theory, Globalisation, and Poststructuralism.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			280.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Students are required to prepare for the weekly lectures and seminars by reading the required materials and by researching case study examples beyond the reading list in order to engage in class discussions. This means critically reviewing and reflecting on the theories as you read and learn about them.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored in several ways:

For the mid-term assessment (30%): Students will have an opportunity to confirm their case study and chosen theory with the module leader, as well as discuss their plans during support hours in week 7.

For the end-of-term assessment (70%): Students will have an opportunity to submit an essay outline by the end of week 10.

Students are also encouraged to share and discuss their ideas and plans during student support hours throughout the module.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	1x 1000-word mid-term analysis (30%)	30.00
Assignment	1x 3000-word end of term essay (70%)	70.00
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: 23/09/2022 11:28:39

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