International Political Theory (MLitt)
Programme Coordinator: Dr Anthony Lang
The MLitt in International Political Theory introduces students to the dynamic and exciting field of international political theory (IPT). Located at the intersection of political theory and international relations, this programme will provide students with new conceptual tools for understanding the international system, and students of philosophy and political theory the ability to situate political thought beyond the boundaries of the sovereign state.
Students take two required modules:
- IR5401: Texts in International Political Theory
- IR5402: Analysis and Interpretation in International Political Theory
The first module focuses on key thinkers in the history of political theory with a particular focus on the international or global dimensions of their work. Theorists whose work are addressed in this module may include (but are not limited to) Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Grotius, Hobbes, Locke, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Foucault, Derrida, Schmitt, Rawls, Arendt, and Habermas. The second module surveys a range of approaches to the critical analysis of political theory texts, and to the conceptual, historical and normative interpretation of political ideas. Representative approaches may include contextualism, hermeneutics, deconstruction, feminist theory, and comparative political theory.
In addition, students take two optional modules. Options cover topics as diverse as global constitutionalism, theories of human rights, global justice, ethics and the use of force, world order, African political theory, and friendship and enmity. Students are also required to write a 15,000-word dissertation - IR5099 Dissertation Booklet (PDF, 201 KB)- on a topic of their choosing, supported by a member of staff.
The IPT programme has been created by a core team - Professor Patrick Hayden, Dr Anthony Lang, Professor Nicholas Rengger and Dr Gabriella Slomp. The School is also home to a journal that deals with issues of international political theory: Journal of International Political Theory (edited by Professor Hayden). The School has held a number of international conferences on themes related to international political theory and will continue to do so into the future.
Module descriptions for each option may be found in the University's course catalogue.
Please address enquiries to the postgraduate secretary irpg@st-andrews.ac.uk.
For details of the application procedure, please see Prospective students.
