An Introduction to International Relations

Paper Code: 
MIR 121
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This paper is an introduction to the major principles, concepts, actors, and theories of the international system and their application to current issues in world affairs. This course studies the basics of International Relations as a discipline and its concepts thus setting a background for the broader study of the discipline.

The  objectives of this course are to:

  • Give an overall analysis of major concepts and principles of International system.
  • Develop the ability to analyze them with a theoretical framework of international relations.
  • Demonstrate basic understanding of the foundational theories and concepts in international relations
  • Provide a framework to understand the features of International relations and their practical application

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

MIR 121

An Introduction to International Relations

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

CO1:  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key theoretical debates and issues of current global politics .

CO2:  Understand key principles of particular arguments in application to specific dimensions of international relations .

CO3:  Identify actors and processes in international politics, providing examples and framing opinion based on theories of international relations  

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Use of Map and Globe, Power Point Presentation

 

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks.

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects

 

12.00
Unit I: 
Unit- I

Meaning, nature, scope (including area studies), subject matter, autonomy of International Relations as a discipline

 

12.00
Unit II: 
Unit- II

Concepts: National Interest & National Policy, Economic Instruments of National Policy

 

12.00
Unit III: 
Unit- III

Concepts: National Power: Meaning, elements and evolution

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Unit- IV

Limitations on National Power: Balance of Power, Collective Security, World Public Opinion

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Unit- V

Pacific Settlement of International Disputes; Actors and Influences: State and non state Actors; Globalisation

Essential Readings: 

Essential Readings:

  • Chatterjee, A., (2018), International Relations Today, New Delhi, Pearson Publications
  • Basu, R.(2017).International Politics: Concepts, Theories and Issues. New Delhi: Sage Publications.
  • Ghai, U.R. (2017). International Politics Theory & Practice. New Delhi: New Academic Publishing Co.
  • Kumar,M. (2017). Theoretical Aspects of International Politics. Agra: Shiva Lal Agrawala and Co.
  • Khanna, V.N.,(2013),International Relations, New Delhi ,Vikas Publishing
  • Chandra, P. Arora, P. (2012). International Politics. New Delhi: Cosmos Bookhive.

 

References: 

Reference Books:

  • Basu, R. (2004). United Nations Organization. New Delhi: Sterling Publishers.
  • Palmer, N.D. & Perkins, H.C. (2004). International Relations. Delhi: AITBS Publishers and Distributors.
  • Axford, B. ,Browning, G., Muggins, R. & Rosamond, B.(2002). Politics: An Introduction.  New York: Routledge.
  • SR Sharma, S.R.(2003). US Iraq War: An Erosion of UN Authority. New Delhi: Mohit Publishers.
  • Nye, J. S.(2009). Understanding International Conflicts- An Introduction to Theory and History. New York: Pearson Longman.
  • Ray, A. K.(2004). Western Realism and International Relations: A Non Western view. Delhi: Foundation Books.
  • Melkote, R.S. and Rao, A.N.(1992). International Relations. New Delhi: Sterling.
  • Samuel P. Huntington, S.P.(1998). The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order. New York: Simon and Schuster.
  • Pfaltzqraff, R.L. and Dougherty,J. (1980).Contending Theories of International Relations.London: Harper and Row.
  • Misra, K.P. and Beal, R.S. (eds.)(1980). International Relations Theory: Western and Non-Western Perspectives. New Delhi: Vikas.
  • Taylor, T.(ed.), (1985). Approaches and Theories in International Relations. New York: Longman.
  •  Morganthau, H. J.(1993).Politics among Nations. California: Mcgraw Hill
  • Deutsch, K. W.(1989). The Analysis of International Relations, New Delhi:   Prentice Hall.

 

Academic Year: 
2020-21
  • Printer-friendly version
  • PDF version