Entry requirements

Political Science advanced level or equivalent education.

Learning outcomes

Seminar objective and 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. Its main aim is not to cover all sub-disciplines of IR, such as security studies, foreign policy analysis, international political economy, international organisations, etc. Rather, the seminar tries to introduce to the different ways theories are used for explaining and understanding international affairs. For theories have two main functions. In the most common sense, theories are used as 'tool-boxes', instruments to be applied to solve already given research problems or empirical questions. But theories have also a constitutive role, in that they provide us with the concepts and assumptions which guide us when we are deciphering the empirical world. Theories are there to help us answering research questions, but also to identify significant research questions in the first place. This latter function is crucial for the very beginning of any research and any major seminar paper or MA thesis.

By the end of the seminar, students are expected to be able to:

1. Understand, summarise and discuss a selection of the main approaches to theorising in international relations;

2. Evaluate these approaches with regards to the methodologies they employ and the particular problems of international politics for which they may be most appropriate;

3. Analyse a particular problem of international theorising from the perspective of one or more of these approaches

4. Present and discuss scholarly work in the field of IR with their peers

Content

ThSeminar objective and 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. Its main aim is not to cover all sub-disciplines of IR, such as security studies, foreign policy analysis, international political economy, international organisations, etc. Rather, the seminar tries to introduce to the different ways theories are used for explaining and understanding international affairs. For theories have two main functions. In the most common sense, theories are used as 'tool-boxes', instruments to be applied to solve already given research problems or empirical questions. But theories have also a constitutive role, in that they provide us with the concepts and assumptions which guide us when we are deciphering the empirical world. Theories are there to help us answering research questions, but also to identify significant research questions in the first place. This latter function is crucial for the very beginning of any research and any major seminar paper or MA thesis.

By the end of the seminar, students are expected to be able to:

1. Understand, summarise and discuss a selection of the main approaches to theorising in international relations;

2. Evaluate these approaches with regards to the methodologies they employ and the particular problems of international politics for which they may be most appropriate;

3. Analyse a particular problem of international theorising from the perspective of one or more of these approaches

4. Present and discuss scholarly work in the field of IR with their peers

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

Seminar presentation and participation (20%)

Every student will introduce one seminar. Presenters should make a written outline (for everyone) which summarises the key points of their introduction and the main questions on which to lead the discussion.

Readings and book reviews (40%)

Students are expected to read the assignments for individual sessions and to prepare a book review on the week's readings. These reviews should ideally include a succinct summary of the main theses of the text as well comments and questions about the reading. It is important to articulate one's own opinion and judgement about a book and not just a summary of the reading. The further we advance into the seminar, the more comparisons with former readings would be helpful. Please make also clear what you did not understand. These book reviews serve as an important feedback. Some of the points that were not understood can then be explained during the seminar (40%).

Final essay (40%)

Course level in relation to degree requirements

As all MA seminars, it is part of the general development of the students' analytical and technical skills, including (1) the techniques and skills attached to critical analytical reading, as well as the written and oral communication of arguments and ideas, and (2) the theoretical and meta-theoretical awareness of the underlying assumptions of different frameworks of analysis. This seminar is meant to help in particular students who wish to write their MA thesis in International Relations. For students who have not yet had much education in International Relations (or in social theory), but who wish to specialise in IR, it may be preferable to start with the other MA course offered in IR (Foreign Policy Analysis) and take this one afterwards.

Other regulations

This MA/PhD seminar is open to students enrolled in the MA programme in Political Science and International Studies, the PhD programme in Political Science or for exchange-students at an equivalent level (e.g. ERASMUS). In order to guarantee a tutorial and seminar environment, the number of students can be limited.