International Relations Theory module (PO51001)

This module explores a variety of competing models that have been developed to explain and understand politics on the global stage. 
 

This module provides an incisive focus on the theoretical approaches which are the cornerstone of our efforts to try and make sense of the global order. You will engage with classic contributions to the field and the latest theoretical debates. 
 

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• examine the various ways in which scholars have tried to explain and understand the workings of world politics
• develop an understanding of the basic premises of social scientific explanations of international relations
• explore contemporary debates about the problems of explanation, knowledge, and understanding of international relations
• focus upon the theoretical approaches and methods of analysis which are the cornerstone of the discipline of International Relations

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• critically analyse and apply various theoretical approaches to understanding and explaining phenomena
• critically examine the causes of cooperation and conflict
• critically examine the relationship between structure and agency in international relations 
• engage with contemporary theoretical debates in the discipline of international relations
• apply appropriate theoretical frameworks to contemporary policy problems and identify strengths and weaknesses in the resultant explanations 
• develop and defend theoretically sophisticated arguments pertaining to pressing questions facing the international community 
• demonstrate effective critical thinking on complex subjects 
• convey, through oral and written communication, ideas contained within dominant and critical theoretical perspectives within the field of international relations 
• effectively engage with your peers in group discussions  
• process complex information and synthesise concise, cogent summaries 

Assignments / assessment

• essay - 2,500 words (50%)
• on-campus exam (50%)

Teaching methods / timetable

Weekly two-hour seminars over the 9 weeks of the semester.

If you have not studied International Relations Theory before, an intensive introduction to the field will be given via lectures during the programme's induction week to provide sufficient grounding in the field.