IR2005 Theoretical Approaches to International Relations

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 8

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

11.00 am Wed, 10.00 am Thu

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr H Lai

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Various

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Theory is central to the discipline of International Relations. It is theory that distinguishes the field from the study of 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 as 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 theorised 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 IR as well as form their own perspectives.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR1005 AND PASS IR1006

Assessment pattern

50% coursework, 50% written examination

Re-assessment

100% written examination

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 x 1-hour lectures (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), 1 consultation hour with Tutor (x 10 weeks) and 2 consultation hours with Year Coordinator (x 12 weeks). 2 hours of exam feedback are given in week 1 of the following semester.

Scheduled learning hours

30

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

180

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand and be able to explain the main theories of IR and their contending perspectives
  • Develop understanding of how these theories apply to the study of international politics
  • Be able to identify and evaluate the meta-theoretical assumptions upon which these theories are based
  • Articulate reasoned and factually supported arguments both orally and in writing