MODULE 2 International Relations
Theory. Dr Maura Conway
Module Aims:
This module will introduce students to the key thinkers and theories in
International Relations (IR.). The focus will be on students familiarising
themselves with the major theoretical approaches in IR. by reading, writing
about and, in group discussion, comparing and contrasting, some of the canonical
texts in the discipline from ancient times to the present. The module stresses
student interaction with primary texts, instead of the frequently second-hand
nature of many textbook-based theory courses.
Learning Outcomes:
Throughout the course, readings, lectures, reflection papers and discussion
will be directed at understanding the link between theory and practice,
with a view to highlighting the complexities of contemporary global politics
- the so-called ‘New World Order’ - and familiarising ourselves
with theoretically informed understandings of same.
Indicative Syllabus:
1. Classical Realism
2. Modern Realism
3. Neo-Realism
4. Classical Liberalism
5. Modern Liberalism
6. Neo-Liberalism
7. Marxism
8. Critical Theory
9. World Systems Theory
10. Constructivism
11. Feminism
12. Postmodernism
Assessment:
Reflection papers x 5 100% (5 x 20%)
Indicative Reading List:
- Buzan, Barry. 1996. ‘The Timeless Wisdom of Political Realism.’
In Steve Smith, Ken Booth & Marysia Zalewski (Ed.s), International
Theory: Positivism and Beyond. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Carr, E.H. 2001[1981]. The Twenty Years Crisis. London: Palgrave.
- Crawley, Richard (Trans.). 2004. Thucydides History of the Peloponnesian
War.
- Der Derian, James 1992. Antidiplomacy: Spies, Terror, Speed and War.
London: Blackwell.
- Enloe, Cynthia. 2001. Bananas, Beaches & Bases: Making Feminist
Sense of International Politics Updated Edition: . Los Angeles: University
of California Press.
- Fukuyama, Francis. 1989. ‘The End of History?’ The National
Interest Summer.
- Hastie, W. (Trans.). 1891. Kant’s Perpetual Peace. Edinburgh:
Clark.
- Linklater, Andrew. 1990. Beyond Realism and Marxism: Critical Theory
and International Relations. Hampshire: Macmillan
- Morgenthau, Hans. 1993. Politics Among Nations. New York: McGrawHill.
- Waltz, Kenneth. 1979. Theory of International Politics. New York: McGrawHill.
- Wendt, Alexander. 1992. ‘Anarchy is What States Make of It: The
Social Construction of Power Politics.’ International Organisation
46(2).
