Theories of International Relations (INTR- 5102)

This course offers a major conceptual appreciation of the theory and practice of  International Relations. In addition to providing a detailed understanding of the fundamental theoretical perspectives and the issues that divide them, it poses the question of whether it is possible to overcome the main disagreements between these competing approaches. It tends to examine a range of important issues in contemporary international politics and use these theoretical frameworks to provide a better understanding of these events.
 
 
Course Prerequisites: None

 

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the course graduates will be able to:

  1. Recount various international relations theories in detail
  2. Describe the dynamic nature of international relations and the importance of having a systematic framework in order to evaluate issues in world politics
  3. Demonstrate adequate knowledge to proceed with the studies at a higher level
  4. Identify a comprehensive paradigm of the multi-disciplinary nature of international relations
  5. Interpret the external and internal dynamics of foreign policy decision-making processes
  6. Develop necessary skills and self-confidence to work and manage things independently
  7. Communicate effectively and fluently on subjects and issues pertaining to international relations
  8. Recount classical and contemporary philosophical foundations of major concepts of international relations
  9. Apply concepts and methods to analyze political ideas, practices and issues in international relations
  10. Synthesize general concepts and apply them to practical situations in international relations 

Course Contents:

  1. Understanding and Explaining World Politics: The development of discipline of International Relation
  2. Liberalism and its variances (Idealism, Capitalism, Neo-Liberalism)
  3. Realism and its variances (Classical Realism, Neo-Realism, Neo-Classical, Offensive and Defensive Realism
  4. Hard and Soft Power
  5. The English School (International Society)
  6. Constructivism
  7. Critical Theory
  8. Structuralism and Post-Structuralism
  9. Feminist Theory
  10. Green Politics
  11. Globalization
  12. Contemporary Trends in International Politics (Media, Non-state Actors)
 
Recommended Books:
 
  1. Burchill, Scott, et al., Theories of International Relations. (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009).
  2. Jackson, Robert, Sorensen, George. Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches (Oxford University Press, 2016).
 
Suggested Books:
 
  1. Morgenthau, Hans. J., Politics among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace (McGraw-Hill, 1993).
  2. Devetak, Richard, Anthony Burke, Jim George (eds.),  An Introduction to International Relations (Cambridge, 2012).
  3. Bellamy, Alex (ed.). International Society and its Critics (Oxford University Press, 2005).
  4. Baylis, Smith and Owens, The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations (Oxford University Press, 2011).
  5. Buzan, Barry, People, States and Fear: An Agenda for International Security Studies in the Post-Cold War Era (ECPR Press, 2008).
  6. Dunne, Tim, MiljaKurki, Steve Smith. International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity (Oxford University Press, 2007).

Lectures Timings:

BS International Relations 3rd semester

(Self-Support): Wednesdays (12:30-02:00) & Thursdays (03:00-05:00 pm)

Course Material

Other Courses by Dr. Muhammad Azam