Theories of International Relations

Paper Code: 
MIR 221
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course introduces students to diverse traditions of theoretical endeavours in the International Relations as they have evolved around the world. It will cover both explanatory and normative paradigms in international relations theory and give a brief overview of the state of the art of IR to students.

The course is designed with the view to equip students with conceptual tools necessary to efficaciously comprehend the fundamental forces, processes and actors, militating within the international system. This course examines mainstream theoretical traditions and pertinent critical perspectives.

The  objectives of this course are to:

    • The purpose of the course is to provide a thorough background in all schools of IR theory
    • It will acquaint the students to understand the debates between various theorists regarding their perspective on the nature of international politics
    • The course will provide analytical understanding of the new themes emerging in the field.
    • This course provides a concise survey of how theory is relevant in reading between the lines, to understand and correlate theory and practice

    Course

    Learning outcomes (at course level)

    Learning and teaching strategies

    Assessment Strategies

    Paper Code

    Paper Title

    MIR 221

    Theories of International Relations

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

    CO23:    Develop overall understanding of various theories in International Relations

    CO24:   Reflect comprehensively on the importance of application of theories in the global context and the competent interests of state and non state actors .

    CO25:   Develop understanding of various strands of theories and correlate theory with practice .

    CO26: Equip with conceptual tools necessary to efficaciously comprehend the fundamental forces, processes and actors, militating within the international system through the theoretical debates in International Relations CO27:Conceptualise, understand and judge theoretical traditions, bearing in mind their geo-cultural specificities.

    Approach in teaching:

    Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, 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

Realism and Neo Realism-Core elements, Classical Realism (Morgenthau), Structural Realism, criticisms

 

12.00
Unit II: 
Unit- II

Liberalism and neo Liberalism-Core ideas, liberalism and globalization, criticisms

12.00
Unit III: 
Unit- III

Marxism and Neo Marxism-Core elements ,relevance, World Systems Theory- Immanuel Wallerstein, Gramscianism

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Unit- IV

Constructivism: Meaning, Constructivist theories of I.R, criticisms

 Post structuralism –Meaning core themes, criticisms

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Unit- V

Feminism- Core elements, major theoretical perspectives

Green theory- Environmentalism, sustainable development

 

Essential Readings: 

Essential Readings

  • Baylis, J.and Smith, S. (eds.), (2017). The Globalization of World Politics, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  • Dunne,T ,Kurki, M , Smith,S (ed.),(2016),International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  • Jackson,R,Sorensen,G ,Moller,J (ed) (2019), Introduction to International Relations-Theories and Approaches,, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  • Burchill, S. et al, (2015), Theories of International Relations 3rd ed, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

 

References: 

Reference Books

  • Bull,H.(2002), The Anarchical Society: A Study of Order in World Politics, 3rd edn., Basingstoke: Palgrave.
  • TicknerA.B.andWever, O.(eds.),(2009),  International Relations Scholarship Around the World, London: Routledge
  • Kautilya, (1993), Arthashastra, Penguin Classics, 1993.
  • Tzu , S. and Giles, L.(translator),(2007), The Art of War, Ulysses Press
  • Aron, R. (1973), Peace and War: A Theory of International Relations, New York: Anchor Books
  • Bromley, S., Brown, W. and Athreya, S.(eds.), (2004), Ordering the International:History, Change and Transformation, London: Pluto Press with The Open University
  • Cox, R and Sinclair, T. (1996) Approaches to World Order, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
  •  Baldwin, D.A. (ed.),(1993)  Neo-Realism and Neo-liberalism: The Contemporary Debate ,New York: Columbia University Press
  • Wendt,A.(1999).  Social Theory of International Politics, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
  • Giddens,A. (1991). The Consequences of Modernity, London: Polity Press
  • Grant R.and Newland, eds., (1991). Gender and International Relations, Buckingham: Open University Press and Millennium Press
  • Brown, C. (1992). International Relations Theory: New Normative Approaches, Hamel Hamstead: Harvester Wheatsheaf
  • Waltz, K. (1979) Theory of International Politics. London: Addison-Wesley Publishing
  • Rosenberg,J.(1994). The Empire of Civil Society, London: Verso
  • Halliday,F. (1994). Rethinking International Relations, London: Macmillan Press
  • Hollis, M. and Smith, S.(1991). Explaining and Understanding International Relations, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  • Carlsnaes, W., Risse, T.and Simmons,B. (eds.),(2006), Handbook of International Relations. London: Sage
  • Buchanan, A. (2007) Justice, Legitimacy and Self-Determination, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

 

Academic Year: 
2020-21
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