International Relations A: Theories of International Politics
Module Code: PO2140
Module Name: International Relations: Theories of International Politics 2018/19
- ECTS Weighting: 5
- Semester/Term Taught: Michaelmas Term
- Contact Hours: 22 hours lectures + fortnightly tutorials; 5 hours tutorials
- Module Personnel: Lecturer - Prof. William Phelan
- Module Co-Requisite: PO2141 International Relations B: theories of International Politics
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
- Understand the basic causal mechanisms underlying leading approaches to explaining state behavior in international politics
- Assess the explanatory power of leading theoretical approaches to international relations, including as relates to particular historical examples
- Understand the different collective action problems associated with different issue-areas in international politics.
Module Learning Aims
To introduce students to theoretical approaches to studying international relations, including scholarly debates old and new.
Module Content
This course is an introduction to the positive, descriptive study of international relations. Why do states make war? What are the conditions for the growth of cross-border trade and finance? What is the impact of international organizations on relations between states? This course considers these questions by looking at differing theoretical approaches to international relations and a selection of topics in historical and contemporary politics.
Recommended Reading List
Robert O. Keohane, After Hegemony: Cooperation and Discord in World Political Economy (Princeton University Press, 1984)
Module CO-Requisite
PO2041
Assessment Details
Tutorial participation: 10%
One Essay:25%
1 x 90 minute exam 65%