Programme syllabus autumn 2009
Programme syllabus autumn 2009
Title
International Relations
Swedish title
International Relations
Programme code
SGINE
Credits
180 credits
Programme establishment date
2006-11-30
Syllabus approval date
2009-02-26
Syllabus valid from
2009-09-01
Decision-making body
Board of Studies at Faculty of Culture and Society
Entry requirements
The special prerequisite for this programme focus, besides basic eligibility for university studies, is fieldeligibility 6: Civics A and English B. Applicants are exempted from the Civics A requirement.
Level
Basic level
Organisation
International Relations (IR) is an integrated, multidisciplinary subject embracing a number of different theoretical perspectives that seek to illustrate and explain the relationships
between diverse actors in the international system. IR places emphasis on internationalpolitics, but also covers international law and international economics. The overall aim of the Bachelor’s Programme in International Relations is to provide the student with knowledge and insight in the following areas: the basic features of international relations, the changeable nature of international relations, the relationship between the state and the individual, the nature and modes of operation of the international system, and the emergence of international norms (e.g. in the area of human rights).
Furthermore, the programme seeks to provide knowledge and insight into salient theoretical endeavours and current research debate within the field of study; it also aims to equip the student with the necessary analytical skills in order to be able to work with IR-related issues in national and international environments, for example within voluntary organisations, national public authorities and international organisations.
The bachelor’s programme consists of six terms of study and leads to a bachelor’s degree in International Relations. Term 1 is a so-called “programme term,” where students are provided with pedagogical, academic and methodological tools and knowledge specifically tailored for the programme. The first “programme term” is structured in the form of collaboration between the subjects of International Relations and Human Rights; it includes an introduction to university studies and contemporary history, as well as an introduction to the main subject (International Relations). Thematic studies embracing both international relations and human rights perspectives are pursued parallel to the introduction of the main subject.
Terms two to four comprise studies in International Relations and Human Rights that are obligatory for the fulfillment of the bachelor programme.
International Relations I is organised in terms of the multi-theoretical approach to international relations characteristic
of the programme, i.e. it engages different perspectives on IR, providing the basis for further study. International Relations II builds on the previously gained theoretical knowledge, but focuses on specific processes in the development and operation of the contemporary international system, as well as on questions relating methodology and the
research of international relations. Semester five consists of elective studies, which make it possible for the student to enroll in various exchange programs, or combine studies with an internship, as long as the programme coordinator deems it to be relevant to the study programme. The last semester, semester six, consists of International Relations III, which includes a BA essay comprising 15 hp.
Programme contents
Semester 1, autumn 2009
Academic Writing and Rhetoric I
EN208E, 7.5 credits (COMPULSORY)
Main field of study: Language and Cultural Studies
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Introduction to the Bachelor's Programme in International Relations
IR201E, 22.5 credits (COMPULSORY)
No main field of study
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Semester 2, spring 2010
International Relations I
IR101E, 30 credits (COMPULSORY)
Main field of study: International Relations
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Semester 3, autumn 2010
Human Rights I
MR101E, 30 credits (COMPULSORY)
Main field of study: Human Rights
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Semester 4, spring 2011
International Relations II
IR102E, 30 credits (COMPULSORY)
Main field of study: International Relations
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Semester 5, autumn 2011
Internship
IR401E, 30 credits (ELECTIVE)
No main field of study
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Semester 6, spring 2012
International Relations III
IR103E, 30 credits (COMPULSORY)
Main field of study: International Relations
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Comment
note:
Semester five consists of elective studies, which make it possible for the student to enroll in various exchange programs, or combine studies with an internship, as long as the programme coordinator deems it to be relevant to the study programme.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
A graduate of the Bachelor’s Programme in International Relations:
- possesses the knowledge of how the field we now refer to as international relations has developed and is aware of the effects of globalisation and regionalisation processes in this field;
- is aware of the different perspectives and theoretical constructions on which the analyses and debate regarding international relations are based;
- understands the relationship between international relations and human rights, and
- has an understanding of Malmö University’s perspectives: the environment, gender, migration, and ethnicity;
Applying knowledge and understanding
A graduate of the Bachelor’s Programme in International Relations:
- can relate key theories and concepts to historical and contemporary developments in world politics, both orally and in writing;
- can identify, define and problematize scholarly issues, concepts and perspectives within the subject area of IR;
- can individually or collectively formulate and conduct an independent analysis of scholarly issues related to IR within agreed deadlines, and
- has the ability to apply his or her knowledge of Malmö University’s perspectives—the environment, gender, migration, and ethnicity—to issues related to the field of international relations.
Making judgements and developing communication skills
A graduate of the Bachelor’s Programme in International Relations:
- can evaluate independently and reflect critically upon key IR issues;
- can evaluate independently and reflect critically upon key IR issues;
- has the ability to make rational judgements drawing on diverse methodological aspects from within the field of IR.
Degree
Bachelor's degree
Bachelor of Arts with a major in International Relations.
Additional information
Language of instruction: English