Course Objectives

This course introduces students to important theoretical approaches to the analysis of international relations and applies these approaches to a number of historical and contemporary issues. A sample of topics covered include the causes of war, international institutions, the Cold War, globalization, nuclear weapons, terrorism, and human rights. The course has two main objectives: (1) to demonstrate the importance of theory for describing and explaining international relations and (2) to make students think critically. This involves (a) distinguishing among different explanations as illustrated in the readings; (b) evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different explanations; and (c) developing one’s own analytical stance.

Course Requirements

Students are required to attend each class. Attendance is mandatory. Those who habitually play truant will suffer in their scores. Students are encouraged to take active part in class discussion and voice their own ideas and opinions.

Course Contents

The major teaching contents are as follows:

Lecture 1 Syllabus & Intro, 2 hours

Lecture 2 Realism, 4 hours

Lecture 3 Foreign Policy, 3 hours

Lecture 4 Liberal Institutionalism, 3 hours

Lecture 5 Constructivism, Law and Human Rights , 2 hours

Lecture 6 Critical Theories, 3 hours

Lecture 7 Theories of Conflict, 3 hours

Lecture 8 Theories of Trade, 4 hours

Lecture 9 Theories of Globalization, 4 hours

Lecture 10 Theories of Development, 4 hours

Credits: 2