Course syllabus autumn 2008
Course syllabus autumn 2008
Title
International Relations I
Swedish title
International Relations I
Course code
IR101E
Credits
30 credits
Grading scale
UV / Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Board of Studies at Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2008-05-29
Syllabus valid from
2008-09-01
Entry requirements
English B.
Level
Basic level
Main field
International Relations
Progression level
G1N
Course contents
The general theme of the course is theoretical development within the subject international relations.
The course consists of the following four modules:
- Liberalism (7.5 credits)
- Realism (7.5 credits)
- Alternative Perspectives (7.5 credits)
- International Political Economy (7.5 credits)
In the respective modules, a number of theoretical perspectives that are connected to the central processes, events and actors in world politics are presented.
The first module focuses on idealism, liberalism and neo-liberalism along with more specific theoretical endeavours such as the theory of integration and the theory of government. The second module addresses realism, neo-realism, and the English School. The third module opens with a series of lectures on theoretical perspectives such as constructivism, Marxism, critical theory, postmodernism, feminism/gender studies and green theory; thereafter the students will specialise in one of aforementioned theoretical perspectives. The fourth module focuses on the analytical perspective of international political economy (IPE).
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
After finishing the course, the student:
- can show knowledge and understanding of the key issues within the subject International Relations;
- can show knowledge and understanding of the principal theoretical perspectives within the subject;
- can show knowledge and understanding of the key development features within contemporary international relations;
- can show knowledge and understanding of how political and economic processes affect one another in world politics and
- can show knowledge of Malmö University’s perspective: environment, gender, migration and ethnicity.
Applying knowledge and understanding
After finishing the course, the student:
- can show the ability to identify, formulate and solve fundamental problems and assignments concerning international relations, within agreed timetables;
- can show the ability to argue and account for his or her assessment and analysis of problems using theories and concepts, both orally and in writing;
- can show the ability, individually or collectively, to assemble, treat and align information on international relations, and account for it in a logical and coherent manner;
- can show the ability to identify future labour markets within areas where international relations is a central organisational aspect;
- can apply knowledge of Malmö University’s perspectives to issues pertaining to international relations.
Making judgements and communication skills
After finishing the course, the student:
- can show the ability to critically reflect upon key issues of contemporary international relations;
- can show the ability to critically reflect upon the subject’s central theoretical perspectives and the relationship between them and
- can independently evaluate his or her knowledge of international relations and identify his or her need for further knowledge and competency within the subject.
Learning activities
Modules 1, 2 and 4 consist of self-studies of course literature, lectures, discussion seminars and individual assessed home assignments. In addition to self-studies of course literature, module 3 consists of a series of lectures and of specialised group work to be presented both orally and in writing.
Attendance is obligatory for the presentation seminars during module 3. Course council meetings are held with the purpose of maintaining continual dialogue between teaching staff and students with regards to aspects of the course.
Assessment
The student’s performance is evaluated through assessed home assignments and oral and written assignments performed in groups.
With regards to examination of the modules, the student is partly judged on his or her knowledge and understanding of the issues within the field of international relations covered by the particular module, and partly on his or her ability to analyse, evaluate and solve problems within international relations, according to agreed timetables and examination requirements.
Re-sit examinations
Students who do not pass the regular course examinations have the minimum of two re-sit opportunities. Re-sits take the same form as the original exams, apart from re-sits for group work, which take the form of individual written and oral assignments.
Course literature and other study material
- Balaam, David N. and Michael Veseth. 2008. Fourth edition Introduction to International Political Economy. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall. (ca 500 s)
- Burchill, Scott, et al. 2005. Third edition. Theories of International Relations. Basingstoke: Palgrave. (322 s)
- Finnemore, Martha. 1996. National Interests in International Society. Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press. (154 s)
- Griffiths, Martin. 1999. Fifty Key Thinkers in International Relations. London och New York: Routledge. (281 s)
- Steans, Jill. 2006. Gender and International Relations: Issues, Debates and Future Directions. Cambridge: Polity Press. (232 s)
- Wallerstein, Immanuel. 22004, World-Systems Analysis: An Introduction. Durham, North Carolina: Duke University Press
- Williams, Phil, et al. 2006. Third edition. Classic Readings and Contemporary Debates in International Relations. USA: Thomson learning. (512 s)
Course evaluation
All students are offered an opportunity to give oral and written feedback at the end of the course. A summary of the results will be made available on the school’s web-pages. The students are also given a possibility to offer feedback for each module.
Student participation takes place through the course council.