POL251 International Relations Theory (Theorist, Internationalist)

Credits: 30
Semester: 1 & 2
Pathways: Theorist, Internationalist

Assessment: Item 1: 20% Critical Review (1000 words) Item 2: 30% Essay (2000 words) Item 3: 50% Research Essay (3000 words)

Module Convenor: Prof Jean-François Drolet
Overlap: None
Prerequisite: None

This is the core second-year module for International Relations students. Through deep, careful and critical engagement with primary texts, it introduces students to key thinkers in and the main currents of International Relations theory: liberalism; realism; the English School; constructivism; Marxism; post-structuralism; post-colonialism; and feminism. The module covers the most fundamental questions in international politics: why do war and suffering persist? Can we hope for a better future? If so, how can we get there? If not, what should we do instead?