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 international system covering historically specific events as well as relevant conceptual aspects.

The third module analyses the inter-related phenomena of globalization and regionalization, and how research has tried to understand their emergence, operation, and on-going development.

Module 1 runs the entire semester, whereas modules 2 and 3 are 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 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 international order has evolved.

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

After completing module 3 (Globalization and Regionalization) the student shall be able to:

(9) Characterize how global and regional actors interact within the international system.

(10) Critically discuss the theoretical and empirical implications of both globalization and regionalization

Teaching takes place in lectures, seminars and workshops. In addition to their attendance students are also expected to spend substantial time on studying the course literature and in preparation of work for assessment.

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 seminar examinations and the minor thesis seminar.

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 and 8 are assessed through an oral group presentation and an individual take home exam.

The student’s performance in module 3 (Globalization and Regionalization) is assessed as follows:

Intended learning outcomes 9 and 10 are assessed through an oral group presentation and an individual oral examination.

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.

Abu Lughod, Janet L. 1991. Before European Hegemony. The World System A.D.1250-1350. New York: Oxford University Press. (460 p)

Breslin, Shaun, et al., (eds.). 2002. New Regionalism in the Global Political Economy: Theories and Cases. London: Routledge. (272 p)

Buzan, Barry & Richard Little. 2000. International Systems in World History: Remaking the Study of International Relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press. (452 p)

Halperin, Sandra & Oliver Heath. 2012. Political Research. Methods and Practical Skills, Oxford: Oxford University Press. (440 p)

Held, David & Anthony McGrew. 2007. Globalization Theory. Approaches and Controversies. Cambridge: Polity Press (288 p)

Additional material in the form of journal articles and other literature may be added to the reading list.

At the completion of the course students are given the possibility to provide written and oral feedback. In addition students are able to give written and oral feedback on the modules.

Student participation takes place through the course council.