Theories of International Relations

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

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 Objectives (CO)

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course 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 -1

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: 
  • Baylis, J.and Smith, S. (eds.), (2020). The Globalization of World Politics, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  • Jackson,R, Sorensen,G ,Moller,J (ed) (2019), Introduction to International Relations-Theories and Approaches,, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  • Dunne,T ,Kurki, M , Smith,S (ed.),(2016),International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  • Burchill, S. et al, (2015), Theories of International Relations 3rd ed, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
References: 
  • Carlsnaes, W., Risse, T.and Simmons,B. (eds.),(2013), Handbook of International Relations. London: Sage
  • Bull,H.(2012), The Anarchical Society: A Study of Order in World Politics, 3rd edn., Basingstoke: Palgrave.
  • Wendt,A.(1999).  Social Theory of International Politics, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
  • 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
  • Brown, C. (1992). International Relations Theory: New Normative Approaches, Hamel Hamstead: Harvester Wheatsheaf
  • Grant R.and Newland, eds., (1991). Gender and International Relations, Buckingham: Open University Press and Millennium Press
  • Waltz, K. (1979) Theory of International Politics. London: Addison-Wesley Publishing

 

E-Resources:

 

 

Journals

  • International Studies Review
  • Review of International Studies
  • International Affairs
  • International Relations
  • International Studies Quarterly
  • International Theory

 

 

Academic Year: 
2022-23
  • Printer-friendly version
  • PDF version