CE5141: Introduction to International Relations

School Continuing and Professional Education
Department Code LEARN
Module Code CE5141
External Subject Code 100490
Number of Credits 10
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Ms Janet Stephens
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2018/9

Outline Description of Module

International Relations is an exciting discipline which explores politics in the global and regional arenas. This module introduces students to key concepts of International Relations in their historical context and explores the essential international theories which were developed over the years to understand the international system

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • Identify strengths and weaknesses of IR’s most important theoretical approaches
  • Explain relevance of key terms and concepts
  • Analyse the international system, the processes and challenges within

 

How the module will be delivered

Lectures / seminars / small group work

 

20 Contact hours

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • Gather and organize evidence, data and information from a variety of secondary and some primary sources;
  • identify, investigate, and advocate some solutions to problems;
  • construct reasoned argument both in oral and written form
  • reflect on their own learning
  • study skills appropriate to level 4 to enable and encourage progression

How the module will be assessed

Essay of 1800 to 2000 words

 

Type of assessment  % Contribution   Title Duration (if applicable)  Approx. date of Assessment

Essay                           100 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 100 Introduction To International Relations N/A

Syllabus content

  • IR’s most important theoretical approaches (idealism, realism, neoliberalism and neorealism)
  • Introduction to critical theoretical approaches
  • The role of states and non-state actors in the international system
  • Sovereignty, Security and Power
  • “New wars” in the post-cold war era
  • Humanitarian intervention and responsibility to protect (R2P)

Background Reading and Resource List

Indicative Reading and Resource List:

 

  • Baylis, J. & Smith, S. & Owens, P. (eds).  The Globalisation of World Politics, 4th  Edition, (Oxford University Press, 2008);
  • Sutch, P. & Elias, J., International Relations: the Basics, (Routledge, 2007);
  • Brown, C. & Ainley, K., Understanding International Relations, 4th edition, (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009);
  • Bull, Hedley, The Anarchical Society: A Study of Order in World Politics, 2nd edition,(Macmillan, 1995),

 

 

 


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