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

The second module analyses the phenomenon of transnational 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.

The aim of the module is to introduce the students to the essentials of methodology and methods in the social sciences and humanities. The course combines a theoretical approach to general questions of research and knowledge, with practical hands-on investigation. The course prepares the students for the minor thesis that follows immediately after this course.

The fourth module is an essay course, where the student shall write an individual minor thesis. This module is organized around group supervision in seminars where students are expected to present and discuss their minor thesis work, and critically discuss other students´ minor thesis work at various stages.

After completing module 1 (The Evolution of the International System) the student shall be able to:

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

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

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

After completing module 2 (Regionalisation in the International System) the student shall be able to:

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

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

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

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

After completing module 3 (Research and methods) the student shall be able to:

(8) Define and apply key methodological concepts in the social sciences and humanities.

(9) Describe and compare different research designs and methods in the social sciences and humanities.

(10) Explain and assess how aim, theory, research design, method and results affect one another in a logically coherent sequence.

(11) Select and apply appropriate research methods to address different research questions.

(12) Carry out small research assignments where method is applied to material/data.

(13) Assess the academic, social and ethical implications of research in the social sciences and humanities.

After completing module 4 (Minor thesis) the student shall be able to:

(14) Explain and apply intermediate methodological concepts used in the minor thesis.

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

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

(17) Critically and independently process material in an academic and structured analysis in the minor thesis.

(18) Orally present and discuss their own minor thesis work and give constructive criticism on other students´ minor theses work.

(19) 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 minor thesis work during the course or has not received a passing grade on the minor thesis work at the end of the course cannot be guaranteed continued supervision.

The student’s performance in module 1 (The Evolution of the International System) is assessed as follows:

Intended learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3 are assessed through an oral group presentation and an individual take home exam.

The student’s performance in module 2 (Regionalisation in the International System) is assessed as follows:

Intended learning outcomes 4,5, and 6 are assessed through an oral group presentation and an individual oral.

The student´s performance in module 3 (Research and methods) is assessed as follows: Intended learning outcomes, 8-13, are assessed through a portfolio and sit-in exams.

The student´s performance in module 4 (Minor thesis) is assessed as follows: Intended learning outcomes 14-18 are assessed through a minor thesis and active participation in seminars.

Intended learning outcome 19 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.

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.