Contemporary Theories of World Politics
| Module title | Contemporary Theories of World Politics |
|---|---|
| Module code | POL2020 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Harrison Swinhoe (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 225 |
|---|
Module description
This module provides an in-depth, critical, and historical examination of classic and contemporary theoretical approaches to world politics. The study of conceptual frameworks in International Relations (IR) is crucial because it allows us to move beyond mere description of, and unreflective feelings about, international events, providing instead genuine analyses, explanations, and understandings. Theory has therefore always been the centre of gravity of IR as a discipline, providing points of collaboration and contestation between scholars about what can be known in IR, and how. As Mearsheimer and Walt put it (2013), theory is no less than “the lodestone in the field of IR [and] theorists are the field’s most famous and prestigious scholars”.
To explore IR theories, the module successively examines the four factors that have been said by theorists to fundamentally shape international politics: leaders’ security-based (ir-)rational choices, global economic trends, collective identities and norms, and language, discourses and narratives. It will then examine two particularly important dimensions of international politics that scholars have highlighted through the lenses of some of the four factors: sex and gender on the one hand, and the colonial legacy on the other hand. The architecture of the module reflects this structure: the course is organized with weekly thematic blocks, each dedicated to one of these different factors and then the two dimensions. Understanding why/how these factors are said to matter, and systematically putting them at play empirically, will allow us to both indirectly survey the key ‘-isms’ and theoretical influences of the field beyond their superficial aspects, and to expand our horizon by looking at powerful theories of social behaviour and conflict not usually included within the IR discussion. We do so by explaining how the various theoretical approaches are related to one another, not only conceptually but also historically, stressing for each of them the importance of the socio-political context in which they emerged, from the 1920s to the 2010s. Historically, socially and intellectually situating theories, which are mental constructs, is a central aspect of this module.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module provides an introduction to, and critical examination of, contemporary theoretical approaches to world politics. The study of conceptual frameworks in International Relations (IR) is important for how it can enhance our understanding of the dynamics of politics, including why and how the political world takes its existing forms. Theory is also the centre of gravity in the field of IR, providing points of collaboration and contestation between scholars on the nature of international political enquiry.
On completion of this module, you will have a good understanding of the origins and development of IR as an academic discipline, the way in which theory has shaped this development, and the world-historical events that prompted the development of the theory and the subject itself.
The method of the course is broadly contextualist and analytical, inviting you to think about the context of theory development as well as the ways in which theories ‘make sense’ internally and in relation to one another. In the seminars and assessment, students are asked to think in an open and critical manner about the purpose of theories of world politics, including understanding the major attributes of each framework and how, most importantly, they can be ‘put to work’ through empirical illustrations. Students are pushed to embrace a sophisticated vision of IR theories, and start the module with a fresh mind without biased or dogmatic preconceptions on specific approaches.
This module will give you a solid grounding in IR and be of value to all related modules at level 2 and level 3.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of IR theory;
- 2. show knowledge of contemporary issues in international politics;
- 3. articulate your own ethical and political positions on questions of international politics.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. critically analyse both empirical and theoretical material in international politics;
- 5. deploy theoretical arguments and apply them to empirical case studies in international politics;
- 6. engage in the critique of theoretical arguments in international politics.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. construct reasoned argument;
- 8. communicate effectively in speech and writing;
- 9. work independently and with peers to achieve common goals;
- 10. use ICT appropriately;
- 11. demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- Theorizing international relations
- National security interests
- National security interests (bounded rationality)
- Global economic factors
- Identities
- Identities (2)
- Language
- Colonial legacy
- Gender
- IR theories today: a fragmented field
- Conclusions
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 26.5 | 123.5 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 16.5 | 11 x 1.5 hour lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 10 | 10 x 1 hour tutorials |
| Guided Independent study | 123.5 | A variety of private study tasks directed by module leader and seminar tutors. These tasks may include:- Reading and note-taking in preparation for class (60 hours); Case analysis preparation (conducting research, writing the finished product) (31.5 hours); Essay preparation (conducting research, writing the finished product) (32 hours) |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz | 200 words equivalent | 1-11 | Written comments |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Analysis | 50 | 1,500 words | 1-10 | Written comments |
| Theoretical Essay | 50 | 1,500 words | 1-10 | Written comments |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Analysis | Case Analysis (1,500 words) | 1-10 | August/September reassessment period |
| Theoretical Essay | Theoretical Essay (1,500 words) | 1-10 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Core:
Dunne, T., Kurki, M., and Smith, S. (eds.), International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010).
Recommended:
Baldwin, D. (ed) Neorealism and Neoliberalism: The Contemporary Debate (New York: Columbia University Press, 1993).
Brown, C. and Ainley, K., Understanding International Relations (London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010).
Carlsnaes, W., Risse, T., and Simmons, B. A. (eds.), Handbook of International Relations (London: Sage, 2002).
Brown, C., Nardin, T., and Rengger, N. J. (eds.), International Relations in Political Thought (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002)
Carr, E. H., The Twenty Years’ Crisis, 1919-1939 (Houndmills: Palgrave, 2001 [1939])
Enloe, C., Bananas, Beaches and Bases: Making Feminist Sense of International Politics (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1989).
Hasenclever, A., Mayer, P., and Rittberger, V., Theories of International Regimes (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994).
Hollis, M., and Smith, S., Explaining and Understanding International Relations (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1990).
Keohane, R. O., After Hegemony: Cooperation and Discord in the World Political Economy (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1984).
Keohane, R. (ed), Neorealism and its Critics (New York: Columbia University Press, 1986).
Morgenthau, H. J., Politics Among Nations: The Struggles for Power and Peace (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1993).
Roach, S., Critical Theory and International Relations: A Reader (Abingdon: Routledge, 2006).
Waltz, K., Theory of International Politics (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1979).
Wendt, A., Social Theory of International Politics (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999).
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2010 |
| Last revision date | 10/03/2022 |
