2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
PIED5515M International Relations II: Contemporary International Theory
30 creditsClass Size: 60
Module manager: Prof Jason Ralph
Email: J.G.Ralph@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
This module is mutually exclusive with
| PIED5578M | Theoretical Approaches in International Relations |
Module replaces
PIED5578M Theoretical Approaches in IRThis module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
The main module objective is to develop an understanding of the role of theory in contemporary International Relations. Students will understand debates in contemporary international theory and assess the relative insights and merits of respective theories. The module starts with an examination of the role of theory in relations to practice and then discusses content and merits of Constructivist International Relations theory before examining the content and merits of its various critics including pragmatism, critical and poststructuralist theory, postcolonial, feminist and realist theory. Students will also apply theory to explain, interpret and assess current practice in contemporary international relations. The objective is to develop the skills of exegesis, as well as the ability to communicate and apply complex ideas in written form.Objectives
The main module objective is to develop an understanding of the role of theory in contemporary International Relations. Students will understand debates in contemporary international theory and assess the relative insights and merits of respective theories. Students will also apply theory to explain, interpret and assess current practice in contemporary international relations. The objective is to develop the skills of exegesis, as well as the ability to communicate and apply complex ideas in written form.Learning outcomes
By the end of this module students know
1. the contours of debates in contemporary international theory;
2. how to critically analyse established and original theoretical claims about international relations;
3. how to argue coherently and effectively in a way that satisfactorily addresses a specific question;
4. how to communicate the complexities of international theory and use them to interpret and assess international relations;
5. how to organise and present an effective essay;
6. how to manage their time to meet set deadlines.
Skills outcomes
The module assesses the skills involved in essay writing: research, writing, organisation, critical analysis and presentation.
Syllabus
Introduction. The role of theory and its relationship to practice
Various topics including:
Modern Constructivism in IR
New Constructivism and the ‘Practice Turn’ in IR
Is Constructivism Normative? The ‘Pragmatist Turn’ in IR
Critical International Theory I–The Frankfurt School & discourse ethics
Critical International Theory II – feminist theory
Critical International Theory IV – post-colonial theory
Critical International Theory III – cosmopolitan theory in the context of climate change
The two sides of Realist thought: conservative and critique
Using theory to interpret, critique and reimagine practice: the assumptions and futures of the ‘liberal international order’.
Using theory to interpret, critique and reimagine practice: the war in Ukraine.
Conclusions, revisions and essay preparation.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Seminar | 11 | 2.00 | 22.00 |
| Private study hours | 278.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students will have the opportunity to submit a 1000 word draft of their assessed essay for feedback in week 8 of the module.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 1 x 4000 Words | 100.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 28/04/2023 14:51:20
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD