COURSE SYLLABUS
IRL 2000: FOUNDATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
INSTRUCTOR:
EMAIL:
CREDIT: 3 UNITS
CONSULTATIVE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is for students who have hitherto had no exposure in the academic field of International Relations. It
seeks to introduce students to the basic concepts and understanding of the major issue areas of contemporary
international relations. It introduces students to:
§ the basics of understanding and producing theories in IR
§ the canonical theories of IR: Realism, Liberalism and Marxism
§ the relatively new and increasingly influential theory-constructivism
§ ways in which such theories approach central topics in IR including sovereignty, power, war, peace, IPE, New
World (dis-)Order, humanitarian intervention, International Law and Terrorism.
§ a good basis from which to appreciate the theoretical schools of thought in the study of international relations
§ a strong foundation in the study of international politics as a basis for further study
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
§ think of IR scholarship as a practice that is historically and culturally dependant
§ understand the major debates in classical IR Theory AND think theoretically
§ critically analyze and compare different theoretical approaches
§ utilize the concepts and theories they have learnt to understand issues of world politics
§ make use of theories and concepts to analyze current international issues
§ have some grasp of a set of core concepts and problems presently being debated in IR
§ appreciate throughout their degree pathway, the theoretical schools of thought in their study of international
relations
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
In addition to the aforementioned course-specific outcomes, the module will also promote the generic learning
outcomes of the Department’s undergraduate programs listed below:
§ 1-Explain concepts and theories in International Relations
§ 4-Critically analyze the dynamics of world politics
§ 6-Apply understanding of a global, multi-cultural and complex interconnected world to explain and predict
issues in International Relations
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Students wishing to pursue this course should have taken the following prerequisites and/or should be registered in
the following co requisites:
§ All level 1 core courses
NB/ This is NOT an upper level course.
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
§ Readings - students are expected to complete the required readings before class. A reading list will be
provided and in some cases, individual students will be assigned particular readings to facilitate discussions.
Additional readings offer a good and basic foundational basis for building up a bibliography.
§ Lectures – Lectures offer an established basis for delivering core knowledge about the subject. Lectures will
not necessarily summarize but rather complement the readings provided. Lectures will be held in room B2,
Business Block, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3.30 to 5.10 pm.
§ Power Point – The lecturer will use power point slides to deliver the contents of the lecture. These will also be
available before class
§ Class presentations/Group Discussions- This will encourage students to work together in researching,
presenting and assessing their own work
§ Consultative hours – students are strongly encouraged to consult with the instructor. The lecturer will use
these hours to address individual problems or difficulties.
§ Student participation – Students are encouraged to interact in class. Student participation is very important.
The students’ skills that will be developed include the development and presentation of oral skills directed
towards international relations discourse.
§ Current affairs – this is a mandatory exercise. Students are meant to familiarize themselves with events from
across the globe for further discussion in class. Students should demonstrate some background knowledge of the
news they read.
§ Blackboard - Blackboard will host PowerPoint slides, discussion pages, useful links, further readings and
other course related information
ASSESSMENT
The Evaluation Method will be as follows:
· Attendance, Participation, Group Work 10%
· Article Reviews 10%
· Research/ Writing Assignment 20%
· Mid-semester Exam 20%
· Final Exam 30%
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Attendance
Students are required to attend ALL lectures. In case of absence, please contact the lecturer in advance. All reasons
for non-attendance must be accompanied by a written explanation from a recognized authority and not by students
themselves. Students will automatically be awarded an F-grade for missing 5 classes.
Participation
Students are expected to come to class prepared to participate fully in class discussions. To encourage equality and
fairness, the instructor will randomly select students from the class list to initiate or offer views on certain topics.
Class discussions will be regulated due to time constraints. Discussions will primarily be based on current affairs.
Blackboard
Students will be required to fully utilize Blackboard not only to obtain notes but to interact with other students.
Group work
Students will be expected to make a presentation as a group. Students will also be expected to assess their peers.
This will offer persuasive scores. The final mark tally will be the prerogative of the instructor. Students will
be assessed as a group and not as individuals. Students are therefore required to maintain coherency with their
fellow group members at all times.
Research/ Writing Assignment
Students are expected to submit researched answers to a set of 5 questions to be provided by the Instructor (include
bibliography). Although USIU has general guidelines on writing researched papers, additional course-specific
guidelines regarding the same will be provided. The assignment will form 20% of the overall grade. It is intended to
encourage individual research into a topic of contemporary international concern. This assignment places particular
emphasis upon the acquisition and application of relevant critical, analytical and evaluative skills.
Academic Integrity
Blackboard integrates a software program to assist in the detection of plagiarism called SafeAssign. SafeAssign is a
text-matching software which provides a report on whether a student's work is original. It is therefore mandatory for
all works to include full and correct referencing. To this end, all submitted works should be accompanied by an
identical soft copy.
Examination
There will be two examinations; the mid-semester and final exam. Each examination consists of a two-hour paper.
Questions will require the student to briefly explain key IR-related terms. The examinations form 50% of the overall
assessment. Although considerable choice is availed, the questions ensure that all students acquire a substantial
grasp of the course content.
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USIU GRADING SYSTEM
A 90-100 C 70-73
A- 87-89 C- 67-69
B+ 84-86 D+ 64-66
B 80-83 D 62-63
B- 77-79 D- 60-61
C+ 74-76 F 0-59 OR 5 MISSED CLASSES
REQUIRED COURSE TEXTS:
Textbooks:
Although course books are provided by the course text section in the library, students are nevertheless strongly
encouraged to borrow or purchase other recommended texts for their own private and further reading. Other
recommended readings can also be found in the library, online journals or on Blackboard. The recommended course
books for this course are:
§ Baylis J and Smith S. (2008). The Globalization of World Politics: an introduction to international
relations.(Oxford: Oxford University Press)
§ Brown C. (2004). Understanding International Relations.( Palgrave: McMillan).
§ Viotti P and Kauppi (1999) M, International Relations Theory: Realism, Pluralism, Globalization and
Beyond (Allyn and Bacon)
Students may also consult oe or all of the following texts for their preliminary reading. ALL be found in the library:
§ Bell P.M. (2001), The World Since 1945: An International History, (London, Arnold),
§ Booth K and Smith S (eds). (1995). International Relations Theory Today. (Oxford: Polity Press).
§ Bull H. (1995). The Anarchical Society: A Study of Order in World Politics. (London: Macmillan.
§ Burchill S .et al. (2001). Theories of International Relations, 2nd edition. (Basingstoke: Palgrave.)
§ Buzan B (2004), From International Society to World Society? English School Theory and the Social Structure
of Globalization.(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
§ Falk R (1999). Predatory Globalization. A Critique. (Oxford: Polity Press)
§ Gills BK and Thompson WR (eds) (2006). Globalization and Global History (New York, London: Routledge)
§ Hollis M & Smith S. (1990) Explaining and Understanding International Relations (Oxford: Clarendon Press)
§ Iver B. Neumann and Ole Wæver (eds). (1997). The Future of International Relations: Masters in the
Making? (New York, London: Routledge)
§ Jackson R and Sorensen G. (2003). Introduction to International Relations: Theories & Approaches, second
edition, (Oxford: Oxford University Press)
§ Roberts J.M (1999), Twentieth Century: A History of the World 1901 to the Present ( Penguin)
§ Smith S, Booth K and Zalewski M (eds) (1996) International Theory: Positivism and Beyond (Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press)
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COURSE SCHEDULE (Subject to Change)
Introduction to ‘Foundations of International Relations’
Course outline
Course-related information
Lecture Theme 1: Introductory Lecture & Course Overview
Students will be introduced to the course instructor and the course. The instructor will explicate the course schedule
throughout the 13 weeks of study. She will address all queries regarding the course organization and how the course
is relevant to students.
Thinking theoretically- The lecture delves into the issue of the need to explain global events theoretically.
Preliminary Reading
James Rosenau in Viotti and Kauppi, IR theory, pp 29-37
Lecture Theme 2: Introduction to the study of International Relations in a global world
Introduction, definition & scope
Theories of world politics (overview)
The international relations actors
Key enquiries: Why study International Relations? Why study theories? What is the difference between ir and IR?
What is sovereignty? Why is it integral in contemporary IR arguments? Can we study IR scientifically? How should
we analyze international affairs? How should the world be divided so that we can study it systematically?
Preliminary Reading:
Baylis, The Globalization of World Politics, pp 2-8
Brown, Understanding IR, pp 1-18
Jackson, Introduction, pp 1-31
Viotti, IR Theory, pp 1-28
Waltz S, International Relations: One World, many theories (2008) 110 Foreign Policy, pp 29-35
Further Reading
Steve Smith in Viotti and Kauppi, IR theory, pp 38-54
Lecture Theme 3:Historical origins of international relations
This lecture will try and trace the origins of international relations with an enquiry into its early and modern
approaches from early known documented periods to the current day. It will be marked by a group work exercise.
Key enquiries: Ancient Greece and Renaissance Italy; European international society and the peace of Westphalia;
the global international society; World War 1 and the Versailles Treaty; the global economic slump 1929-33; world
war 2 in Asia and the Pacific
Further Reading:
Baylis, The Globalization, Part one, pp 38-87
Holis & Smith, Explaining, pp 16-44
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Lecture Theme 4: Globalization
The lecture considers the effect of globalization on the nature of world politics and consequently on traditional
patterns of sovereignity, democracy and governance
Key enquiries: What is globalization? What are its precursors? What is its effect on sovereignty? How do the main
theories relate to globalization? What is the state of globalization since 9/11? How does it impact global politics?
How do private-sector bodies contribute to the governance of global relations?
Preliminary Reading:
Baylis, The Globalization, pp 6-33
Brown, Understanding, pp 116-140
Further Reading
Nnoli, Okwudiba, (2003) ‘Globalization and African Political Science’ African Journal of Political Science, Vol. 8
No 2 pp 11-32
Lecture Theme 5: Realism
Realism &Neo-realism
This lecture will look into one of the key theories of classical IR and its contemporary argument.
Key enquiries: What is realism? What are the key assumptions of realism? What are classical & modern realism and
their theorists? What was E.H. Carr’s contribution to realism? What are the differences between classical Realism
and Neo-realism? Does the anarchic structure of the international state system require states to engage in power
politics? What is power? How can it be measured and managed in international politics? What is the realist balance
of power theory? Is Unipolarity/hegemony stabilizing or destabilizing? What are the principle criticisms of realism?
Preliminary Readings:
Baylis, The Globalization, pp 92-106
Brown, Understanding pp 19-39
Dougherty, Contending, pp 63-103
Jackson, Introduction, pp 67-104
Viotti, IR Theory, pp 55-99
Further Reading:
Barry Buzan, ‘The timeless Wisdom of realism?’ In Booth & Smith (eds.), International theory pp 47-65
‘The Melian dialogue’ in Viotti pp 100-105 &‘On Princes and the Security of States’ in Viotti pp105-107
Lecture Theme 6: Liberalism
Key enquiries: What are the key pluralist assumptions? Who were the classical liberalists? What are the four liberal
strands? What is Neo-liberalism? Why do states participate in international institutions? Do states use institutions to
advance national interests? What are the principle criticisms of this theory?
Preliminary Readings:
Baylis, The Globalization, pp 110-22
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Brown, Understanding. pp 40-62
Burchill, Theories, pp 29-69
Viotti, IR Theory, pp 199-232
‘Liberalism & World Politics in Viotti pp 233-45
Further Reading:
Richard Little, ‘The growing relevance of Pluralism’, in Booth & Smith(eds.), International theory pp 66-86
McDonald P, Sweeney K, “The Achilles’ heel of liberal IR theory? Globalization and conflict in the Pre-World War
1 Era” Vol 59, No. 3, (1995) World Politics 370
Lecture Theme 8: Marxism
This lecture introduces students to Marxism. It will outline and assess the Marxist contribution to the study of
International Relations.
Key Enquiries: What are the approaches of Marxism? How do they compare in explaining the structure of the
international system? How do they perceive the role of politics and the state? Can Karl Marx be depicted as the
theorist of Globalization? What are the Marxists strands? What are the principle criticisms of Marxist theory?
Preliminary Readings:
Baylis, The Globalization, pp 144-59
Burchill, Theories, pp 129-80
Viotti, IR Theory, pp 341-64
Further Reading:
Andrew Linklater, ‘The achievements of critical theory’ in Booth & Smith (eds.), International theory pp 66-86
Lecture Theme 9: Social Constructivism
This theory is relatively new in IR debates. It emerged in the 1980’s as a reaction to the neo-neo debate.
Constructivism highlights how ideas can define world politics as opposed to earlier attempts at viewing world
politics in terms of the pursuit by the state of power and wealth.
Preliminary Readings
Baylis, The Globalization, pp 162-75
Burchill, Theories, pp 209-230
Jackson pp 253-59
Viotti, IR Theory, pp 427-59
Lecture Theme 10: International Political Economy
This lecture will further the arguments touched on by Marxism regarding viewing world politics economically. It
will offer a shift from earlier theories dealing with power politics and politics of cooperation. It will introduce
students to the merger of politics and economic issues in the international system.
Key enquiries: What is IPE? What are the arguments of its main theories: Mercantilism, economic liberalism and
Marxism?
Baylis, The Globalization, pp 244-60
Jackson pp 176-93
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Lecture Theme 11: International Law & International Humanitarian Law
This lecture will offer an insight into a very integral sub-field of International Relations called International Law. It
will trace the origins of International law to Hugo Grotius and analyze the intentions of introducing International
Law into world politics. Key international legal instruments will be discussed including the distinction of bilateral
and multilateral treaties. The lecture will then look at a pertinent and current sub-field of international law,
International Humanitarian Law or the law of armed conflict or the law of war. It will briefly trace its humble
beginnings from the battle of Solferino to the Geneva Conventions. The lecture will finally view how International
Law and International Relations contribute to International Relations.
Preliminary Readings:
Baylis, The Globalization, pp 278-93, 522-39
Brown, Understanding. pp 207-28
Viotti, IR Theory, pp 199-232
Yasuaki Onuma (2003) ‘International Law in and with International Politics: The Functions of International Law in
International Society’European Journal of International Law Vol 14 No. 105
Further Reading
Koh Harold Hongju (1995) ‘Why do Nations Obey International Law?’106 Yale Law Journal 2599
Keohane, R., (1997) ‘International Relations and International Law: Two Optics’38 Harvard International Law
Journal, 487.
Lecture Theme 12: Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
This lecture will focus on diplomacy as a key process of communication and negotiation in world politics and as an
important foreign policy instrument used by global actors. Diplomacy may have changed in context and form but it
remains a highly relevant process in contemporary world politics.
Preliminary Readings:
Baylis, The Globalization, pp 317 - 329
Brown, Understanding. pp 63-77
Further Reading
Hollis M & Smith S. (1990) Explaining and Understanding International Relations
Hamiltone K and Langhorne R The Practice of Diplomacy
Lecture Theme 13: Environmental issues
Emnironmental Issues emerged in the late 20th Century as a major focus of international concern and activity.
Understanding the cause of global environmental change is an urgent task. Approaches and concepts developed
within International Relations can contribute to such understanding.
Preliminary Readings:
Baylis, The Globalization, pp 387 - 410
Brown, Understanding. pp 116 -129
Further Reading
Hollis M & Smith S. (1990) Explaining and Understanding International Relations
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Lecture Theme 14: Power, Security and Terrorism
The exercise of influence is the characteristic way that states interact with one another. There is a relationship
between influence and power. Power is a term in political discourse that has been so widely used and it is almost lost
in translation. In this anarchical global society, there is a usually a degree of order in the world and insecurity, while
ever present, is kept at manageable level. How?
Preliminary Readings:
Brown, Understanding. pp 80 – 95
Dougherty & Pfaltzgraff pp 231-243
Further Reading
Hollis M & Smith S. (1990) Explaining and Understanding International Relations
Lecture Theme 15: Summarizing ‘Foundations’: Ethics & International Relations
ASSIGNMENTS AND DUE DATES
1. Article Review due on the Third Week on Thursday
2. Weekly Reading Checks (Quiz) to be administered in class.
3. Research and Writing Assignment on the Tenth Week on Thursday (both soft copy to SafeAssign and hard
copy for grading)
4. Group Work -TBA
Education is the guardian genius of democracy.
It is the only dictator that free men recognize,
and the only ruler that free men require.
Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar
Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude
from achieving his goal;
nothing on earth can help the man
with the wrong mental attitude.
Thomas Jefferson
