Entry requirements

Political Science advanced level or equivalent education.

Learning outcomes

The goal of this course is to introduce postgraduate students to selected parts of the contemporary theoretical literature on International Relations (IR) by focusing on research based monographs written primarily for professional academics within the field. The rationale for this focus is to give students a first-hand opportunity to get an informed picture of the current state of the art of central (if selected) aspects of this sub-field within political science, including some of its major debates and ongoing theoretical controversies. In so doing, the course also aims to give them an opportunity to practise and to increase their ability to conceptualise and theoretically analyse the empirical domain of international politics in a critical, scientific and independent manner.

Content

The course will consist of research monographs dealing with various aspects of the sub-field, including current debates between approaches such as realism and social constructivism, the role and characteristics of non-state actors, regional constellations, security policy, normative issues in world politics, as well as gender-based approaches within the field.

Instruction

The course will be based on the seminar form, which in addition to active participation includes the writing of a short weekly paper, an oral presentation, as well as a longer term paper. The language of instruction will be English.

Assessment

Course grades will be based on the weekly papers, the oral presentation, seminar participation in general and - most importantly - the term paper.

Grading system

Grades awarded Fail (U) - Pass (G) - Pass with Distinction (VG).

For exchange students only: additional grades will be given according to European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), that is using a seven-step scale.

Course level in relation to degree requirements

This is a research oriented course at an advanced level and the literature consists of research reports, dissertations and scientific articles. The students will especially develop their ability to understand and assess scientific reasoning and conclusions, and to oppose different theories to one another. The goal is for the students to develop the skill to critically analyse, i.e. be able to identify, discuss and question, the very building blocks by which a scientific argument or conclusion is supported. The course gives the students the opportunity to practise the independent assessment and critical examination of scientific theories by relating them to both empirical research and theoretical debate, and to formulate their own standpoints and arguments relevant in a specific context.

A substantial part of the course is also devoted to the ability to discuss alternative methods or approaches. Compared to earlier levels, greater attention is here paid to the oral skills of presenting a subject matter to an international audience in an interesting and focused way; skills which are highly useful in working life. In addition, the writing skill will be further practised by several reading reports including both reporting and analytical aspects.

Within that part of the course which focuses on the student's individual project, there is a deepening of the ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate problems, to plan and carry out qualitative research assignments with adequate methods and within given time limits, as well as presenting and discussing conclusions and their underlying arguments, orally and in writing. In this context the skills required for the participation in research and development work, or for working independently in some other qualified field, will be especially developed.

Other regulations

Admission to either the Master's programme in Political Science and International Studies, the PhD programme in Political Science or exchangestudent involved in ERASMUS.