Three in-class exams each worth 20% (contribute to learning outcomes 1, 2);
Final exam 40% (contributes to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3)
IN-CLASS EXAMS
The aim of the in-class exams is to monitor the student’s apprehension of the subject. Three exams will consist of short open questions, where students will have to describe selected notions and terms. An essay on a selected topic can also be included. In-class exams will last no more than 45 minutes and will take place during the workshops. However, they will cover the topics discussed during the lectures. The in-class exams should take place during the 5th, 8th, and 11th week of the semester.
FINAL EXAM
The general student’s apprehension and knowledge on the subject will be evaluated during the final exam. It will cover the materials from the lectures and workshops. Short descriptive questions and an essay will be included.
BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the basic approaches to the study of International Relations. The course will introduce the basic vocabulary for the student’s apprehension of the international relations. It will also present the key theories that can be used to analyze and explain the behavior of the actors on the international stage. Students will also be given case studies and will work with basic international documents in order to learn how various forces have shaped the outcome of important historical events that impact the international relations.
CONTENT
Understanding International Relations
Power and Sovereignty
War in the international relations
Introduction to International Relations theories
International Security Mechanisms
International systems
The role of Law in International Relations
Economy, trade and the international relations
Contemporary security challenges
Human rights in the International Relations
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the course students
will have a command of the principal notions and concepts in International Relations;
will possess knowledge of the most important theories of International Relations;
will have an understanding of the various factors which shape world politics in the contemporary world.
COMPULSORY READING
John Baylis, Steve Smith & Patricia Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, An introduction to international relations. Oxford University Press 2011, 5th ed.
ADDITIONAL READINGS
Robert Jackson, Georg Sorensen, Introduction to International Relations, Theories & Approaches, Oxford University Press 2010, 4th ed.
Colin S. Gray; War, Peace and International Relations: An introduction to strategic history, 1st ed. 2007, Chapters 2; 3; 14; 17; 18; 19
John J. Mearsheimer, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics, 2001
RECOMMENDED READING FOR WORKSHOPS
Snow, Donald. Cases in International Relations 5th Edition. Pearson Longman, 2011.
Stiles, Kendall. Case Histories in International Politics 6th Edition. Pearson Longman, 2010.
COURSE OUTLINE
WEEK 1
Introduction, Actors in Global Politics
No readings assigned for this week
WEEK 2 The changing nature of power and sovereignty in the international relations
Obligatory reading: Ruth Lapidoth: Sovereignty in transition (pdf from the lecturer)
Workshops – The Peace of Vestphalia, the French Revolution, the emergence of the nation-state
WEEK 3 War in international relations
Obligatory reading: Baylis, Smith & Owens, The Globalization of World Politics,
Chapter 13 “The changing character of war”
The evolving role of war in international relations – Lecture 3