IR2005 Theoretical Approaches to International Relations

Theory is central to the discipline of International Relations. It is theory that distinguishes the field from the study history, current affairs or journalism and makes the subject area more than simple descriptive thought. This module examines the main current theories in IR and provides an overview of their main theoretical approaches to the study of IR, from Liberalism and Realism; through Constructivism and the English School, to radical Marxist and Neo-Marxist perspectives as well Feminism, Post-Colonialism and Postmodernism. The main purpose of this module is to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of how major scholars, past and contemporary, have theorized about the dynamics of international relations. The theories generally make a number of propositions which sometimes offer conflicting perspectives, but also occasionally overlap. Our main task will be to outline, critique, compare and contrast the assumptions and values which underlie each of these theories so students may enhance their own critical understanding of International Relations as well as form their own perspectives.

IR2006 Issues in International Relations

Building on IR2005's discussion of theoretical approaches to International Relations, this module will explore how these relate to some of the issues that confront those engaged in the world of international politics. The introduction to the module will reiterate why theory matters and each week the lecturers will approach the individual issues through one of two theoretical lenses, though there will be no single model applied to all cases. These will include: terrorism and asymmetric warfare, non-proliferation and weapons of mass destruction, 'new wars', humanitarian intervention and its limits, human rights, religion, aid and development, environmental change, regionalism.