IR5008 - Theories of International Relations

I will learn on this module by attending lectures where I will be presented with the core concepts, claims and arguments outlined by different theories and scholars. I will attend seminars where I will build upon my reading for the lectures and where I will discuss what I think are the strengths and weaknesses of each theory, and their potential for application and explanation.

My academic development will be facilitated through engagement with the academic literature and by talking with my peers and academics about my understanding of the literature. I expect to have my notions of international relations challenged in this module. I will also use seminars and tutorials to further enrich my learning experience.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically analyse the way in which scholars understand key issues of international relations, such as the potential for war and peace/conflict and cooperation, the nature of state interest, the role of language, economics, law and norms
2. Critically discuss and compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of various International Relations theories and apply them to the practice of international politics

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Critically engage with theories to investigate and analyse problems and case studies
4. Apply knowledge and understanding of theory and its use to challenge their use in a variety of claims and arguments, including ‘common sense’ explanations of international relations and my own understanding of international relations / IR.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. The ability to synthesise complex information and to construct an argument based upon evidence and critical engagement with the ideas presented by various theories

I will be assessed through:

• 1 x podcast portfolio (40%) consisting of: a 15-minute group podcast presentation and individual 1000 word reflective piece
• 1 x 2000-word essay (60%)

My knowledge and understanding of traditional theories will be tested in a podcast portfolio which will consist of a group podcast presentation and a 1000-word reflective piece. In the podcast presentation, I will critically discuss the strengths and weaknesses of traditional theories and apply them to the practice of international relations. The podcast presentation will take the form of a group discussion about the merits and weaknesses of specific theories (neorealism, neolioberalism, English School, constructivism). The 1000-word reflective piece will discuss the arguments put forward in the podcast and what was missing in the podcast that could have improved the discussion.

My knowledge and understanding of post-structural/critical theories, and my ability to analyse and critically discuss these theories, their assumptions and application, will be tested in one 2,000 word essay, which will cover post-structural/critical theories.

I will have the opportunity to present my work in the seminars and will receive formative feedback from my lecturer on any presentation I might make. Formative assessment through feedback by my lecturer and through engagement with my peers will enable me to test ‘common sense’ explanations and to test and form my own understanding of international relations.

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Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.