Focus is on alternative theoretical assumptions, different analytical structures, and a common core of concepts and content. It also focuses on a comparative analysis of realism(s), liberalism(s), institutionalism(s), and new emergent theories such as Post-Colonialism. 

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course:

1. Students expected to reproduce mainstream IR Theories
2. Able to apply theoretical understating on major International politics events

Assessment Criteria

1. Attendance and Class Participation: 10 % (75% of attendance would be mandatory to take the final term exams.)
2. Presentation and Assignments: 8%
3. Quiz: 2%
4. Mid Term Examination: 30%
5. Final Term Examination: 50%

Class Days and Timings 

• Tuesday  (9:30-11:00)
• Wednesday    (08:00- 09:30)

Organization and Contents

Part I: Foundations and Contexts

1. Introduction: The Classics – Concepts and Contexts
2. Realism and Neo-realism
3. Liberalism and Neo-liberalism
4. Institutionalism and Neo-institutionalism
5. Constructivism and Contentions
6. Gaps in Theory: What’s Missing?

Part II: New Challenges and Critical Applications

1. Environmental Perspectives
2. Emergent and Evolutionary Dynamics
3. International Conflict and Warfare
4. Transformations of Structures and Processes
5. Globalization and IR Theory
6. Normative and Empirical Challenges – 21st Century

Course Requirements

1. Active Seminar Participation;
2. Class Presentation – format to be announced; and
3. Final Examination (take home format) or Review/Research Paper.

Course Books

Beitz, Charles R. Political Theory and International Relations. Princeton, NJ: Princeton UP, 1999.

Choucri, Nazli, ed. Global Accord: Environmental Challenges and International Responses. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1995.

Katzenstein, Peter J., Robert O. Keohane, and Stephen D. Krasner, eds. Exploration and Contestation in the Study of World Politics. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1999.

Mingst, Karen., and Jack Snyder, eds. Essential Readings in World Politics. NY: W.W. Norton & Co., 2001.

Waltz, Kenneth N. Theory of International Politics. Reading, Mass. Addison Wesley, 1979.

Rawls, John. The Law of Peoples. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2001.