School of Politics, International Relations & Philosophy  
 
 
PIR-20076 Contemporary International Relations Theory  
Co-ordinator: Dr Barry Ryan   Tel:33354  
Teaching Team: Mrs Paula  Hughes, Mrs Julie  Street, Miss Laura  Barcroft, Dr Linda  Ahall, Mrs Diane  Mason, Dr Chris  Zebrowski, Mr Robert  Emerton  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
Politics Dual Honours (Level 2)
Politics Major (Level 2)
Politics Minor (Level 2)
Politics Single Honours (Level 2)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Barred Combinations
none

Prerequisites
none

Description

This module provides students with a broad theoretical understanding of the main areas of study in International Relations. It introduces students to the most influential ideas and writings in the field of IR. Through the in-depth analysis of leading scholars it analyses the methods that underpin contemporary interpretations of international relations. It enables students themselves to critique the various theoretical approaches involved with researching and writing about international relations. Throughout the module, there is a strong emphasis on applying the concepts and problems of IR theory to contemporary events. The 15 one-hour lectures explain the various approaches to interpreting IR. The 7 one-hour meetings of each tutorial group compare how particular themes in international relations are addressed by authors from different schools of thought, employing small-group work and plenary discussion amongst the whole class.
Aims
1. By focussing on the application of theory to particular themes in the study of International Relations, to give students the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical problems that have shaped the development of international political theory.

2. To reinforce students' understanding of the "traditional" perspectives on International Relations and introduce students to contemporary theoretical approaches to the study of IR.

3. To equip students with a solid theoretical foundation relevant to the other modules offered at Level 2 and for further study in the discipline of International Relations.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Interpret and distinguish between the different theoretical perspectives in the discipline of International Relations will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Analyse key themes in the academic study of International Relations, integrating theoretical concepts and empirical material will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Analyse, interpret and critically evaluate the treatment by different authors of a range of themes in International Relations will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Evaluate and apply abstract theories in analysing and solving problems related to contemporary developments in international affairs will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Effectively and fluently communicate complex arguments supported by appropriate evidence in written form will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Study hours
Lecture attendance - 15 hours
Tutorial attendance - 7 hours
Tutorial preparation - 28 hours
Review essay research and writing - 40 hours
Essay research and writing - 60 hours
Description of Module Assessment
01: Critique weighted 40%
a 1,500 word critique of a particular scholar in IR
a critique of a particular scholar in IR, in which the student summarises and evaluates the work of a specific author from a list of IR authors provided in the module guide. The student will look at 2-3 related authors and evaluate their argument in relation to the author they have chosen. This is submitted in the middle of the teaching period.
02: Essay weighted 60%
a 2,000 word essay
an essay on a question selected from a list of essay questions with supporting reading lists located in the module guide
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.