International Relations, 1-30 hp.

Building on the theoretical and empirical knowledge gained in the first semester, the aim of this course is to challenge students to become scientifically aware and able to apply methodology to relevant issues. In addition, this course will also expand students’ understanding of international systems and power structures in a historical context.

The first module, which runs the entire semester, provides the key methodological skills necessary for students to develop a social scientific research design as the basis of their individual semester project – the minor thesis.

The second module focuses on the origin and evolution of the contemporary/modern international system, covering historically specific events as well as relevant conceptual aspects. The course also focuses on the interplay between economy and politics from global perspective.

The third module analyses the phenomenon of regionalisation, and how research has tried to understand its emergence, operation, and on-going development. The main themes of the course are; different strands of regionalism, the process of regionalisation and regional governance with a specific focus on the European Union.

Module 1 runs the entire semester, whereas modules 2 and 3 run subsequently.

After completing module 1 (Methods and IR, Research Design and Minor Thesis) the student shall be able to:

(1) Explain and apply intermediate methodological concepts within the field of International Relations.

(2) Gather and analyse information relevant for the subject and account for it in a logical and coherent manner.

(3) Identify problems, motivate and critically discuss theoretical and methodological choices and develop research questions relevant to the academic study of International Relations.

(4) Critically and independently process material in an academic and structured analysis for seminar assignments, a research design and a minor thesis.

(5) Orally present, defend and discuss the student’s thesis and give constructive criticism on other theses.

(6) Successfully complete a structured article analysis within the framework of a library search.

After completing module 2 (The Evolution of the International System) the student shall be able to:

(7)Interpret how the contemporary/modern international order has evolved.

(8) Critically discuss and apply relevant theories on international systems and processes of change in global politics.

(9) Critically discuss and analyse what kinds of historical, political and economic processes influence large-scale changes in global politics.

After completing module 3 (Regionalisation in the International System) the student shall be able to:

(10) Identify and debate how regional actors interact within the international system.

(11) Critically discuss regionalism and apply relevant theories regionalisation and regional governance.

(12) Give an account of the structure of the European Union and critically discuss the political challenges, faced by the EU.

(13) Critically discuss the relationship between globalisation and regionalisation in the international system.

After completing the course International relations 31-60, the student shall be able to:

(14) Utilise established academic practices in writing texts and making oral presentations.

Learning activities consist of lectures, seminars, workshops and study group work. In addition to their attendance students are expected to spend substantial time on studying the course literature and in preparation of work for assessment, both independently and in study groups.

A student who has not finished the project work during the course, or has not received a passing grade on the project work at the end of the course cannot be guaranteed continued supervision.

The student’s performance in module 1 (Methods and IR, Research Design and Minor Thesis) is assessed as follows: Intended Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are assessed through portfolio examinations (including course paper and sit-in exam) and a minor thesis. Intended Learning Outcome 6 is assessed through a structured article analysis and a library search log.

The student’s performance in module 2 (The Evolution of the International System) is assessed as follows: Intended learning outcomes 7, 8 and 9 are assessed through an oral group presentation and an individual take home exam.

The student’s performance in module 3 (Regionalisation in the International System) is assessed as follows: Intended learning outcomes 10, 11, 12 and 13 are assessed through an oral group presentation and an individual oral examination.

Intended learning outcome 14 is assessed through all written and oral assignments.

Students shall receive feedback on their work through commentary in seminars. Students who do not pass the regular course assessments have the minimum of two re-sit opportunities based on the same course content and evaluative framework. Students also have the right to take assessments on the same course in future terms according to the same principal. Assessments and re-sits take place in accordance with the dates stated in the course schedule. It is the individual student’s responsibility to inform themselves about where and when a re-sit assessment will take place and to contact the department for registration if this is necessary.

Module 3: Regionalisation in the International System

Additional material, mainly in the form of journal articles, may be added to the reading list

The University provides students who participate in or who have completed a course with the opportunity to make known their experiences and viewpoints with regards to the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarize the results of course evaluations as well as informing participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures initiated in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).

If a course is no longer offered or has undergone major changes, students will be offered two re-take sessions based on the syllabus in force at registration during a period of one year from the date of the implementation of the changes.