International Relations (IR), an exciting discipline which explores politics in the global and regional arenas, is assuming growing importance for both academics and practitioners. This module therefore aims to introduce students to the field of IR and actors, topics and major theoretical approaches relevant in this field. It is designed to introduce students to the broad conceptual, historical, methodological and disciplinary themes that have shaped the study of IR. It explores concepts, key texts and theories in historical contexts (the Peace of Westphalia, the two World Wars, the Cold War and the post-Cold war era).It also considers key issues that play a critical role in contemporary IR such as terrorism, warfare and collective security, humanitarian intervention and responsibility to protect (R2P), recognition and self-determination and international law.

Knowledge and Understanding

1. demonstrate  knowledge and understanding of the evolution of the modern State (Westphalian) System and the crucial role of State Sovereignty in International Relations;
2. display a knowledge and understanding of the basic theories of International Relations;
3. show an understanding of the role of Conflict in the development of the modern International System;
4. demonstrate an understanding of the nature of International relations during the Cold War era and the Post-Cold War era;
5. display an awareness of certain key issues in International relations such as terrorism, the place of international law in international politics; collective security; humanitarian intervention; responsibility to protect(R2P) and self-determination & recognition.

The module is to be delivered through a combination of small and large group teaching

Generic Intellectual Skills:

• gather, organize and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of secondary and some primary sources;
• identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and advocate solutions to problems;
• construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise critical judgement;
• reflect on their own learning and seek and make use of constructive feedback;
• manage their own learning self-critically.

Transferable Skills:

• Communicate ideas effectively and fluently, both orally and in writing;
• Use communication and information technologies for the retrieval and presentation of information;
• Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and effective time management;
• Collaborate with others and contribute to the achievement of common goals;
• Develop techniques for self-reflection and improvement.

The potential for reassessment in this module

Essay and/or examination as appropriate depending on which element(s) have been failed.

The course is based around a series of lectures, seminars and students presentations, and will include discussion around these the following topics:

• The Westphalian System and State sovereignty
• Role of War/Conflict in the development of the international system
• The Cold War era
• Post-cold war  era
• Basic Theories of IR
• Terrorism
• Collective Security
• Humanitarian intervention
• Responsibility to protect (R2P)
• Self-determination and recognition

Please see background reading list for an indicative list.

The below texts are only indicative:

• Baylis, J. & Smith, S. & Owens, P. (eds).  The Globalisation of World Politics, 4^th  Edition, (Oxford University Press, 2008);
• Sutch, P. & Elias, J., International Relations: the Basics, (Routledge, 2007);
• Garner, R., Ferdinand, P. & Lawson, S., Introduction to Politics, (Oxford University Press,2009);
• Brown, C. & Ainley, K., Understanding International Relations, 4^th edition, (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009);
• Jackson, R., & Sorensen, G., Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches, 3^rd Edition (Oxford University Press, 2007);
• Bull, Hedley, The Anarchical Society: A Study of Order in World Politics, 2nd edition,(Macmillan, 1995),
• Keylor, W.R., A World of Nations: The International Order since 1945, (Oxford University Press, 2003);
• Dixon, M., Textbook on International Law, 6^th edition (Oxford University Press, 2007)