Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Theories in International Relations and Diplomacy
Course Code
SZF_202
Branch of Science
Other social sciences
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Political Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Kārlis Bukovskis
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
Provide an in-depth understanding of the key theoretical frameworks used in the analysis of international relations and diplomacy. Students learn different theoretical approaches and their application by analyzing the international system, national interactions and the dynamics of global diplomacy. The course aims to develop students’ ability to critically evaluate theoretical models and use them while studying international policy processes and diplomatic strategies.
Preliminary Knowledge
Basic knowledge of international relations and international processes is desirable.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Understanding the theoretical schools of international relations (realism, liberalism, constructivism, critical theories, etc.) and their development.
2.Knowledge of theoretical models of diplomacy and their application in different contexts of international policy.
3.Understanding the application of theoretical approaches in the analysis of global and regional international relations.
Skills
1.Assess and compare the advantages and constraints of different theoretical approaches in exploring international relations and diplomacy.
2.Apply theoretical models when analysing specific international relations and diplomatic strategies
3.Conduct theoretically sound research using academic sources and empirical data.
4.To argue and justify one’s opinion using theories of international relations.
Competences
1.Ability to apply acquired theoretical knowledge in analysis of international relations and diplomacy problems in both academic and professional activities.
2.Ability to effectively articulate and argue academic and political opinions on international processes and diplomacy issues.
3.Ability to draw conclusions based on theoretical and empirical data on the evolution of international policy and possible future scenarios.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Lecturer individually defined essay topics |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
2.
Lecturer individually defined Reporting topics |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Written exam |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
2.
Active and qualitative participation in seminars |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to the course. Course settings and requirements. The importance and function of international relations theories. Today’s methods of exploring international relations and the great debate (Great debate). Actors and bodies in international relations.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Realism and how it evolves. Classical realism, neo-realism and neo-classical realism. Geopolitical thinking and power as the central concept of analysis.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Liberalism and neoliberalism. Classical liberalism (pluralism) and neoliberalism. International regimes, cooperation under anarchy. Criticism of and against liberalism.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
A tradition of post-positivism in international relations.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Post-positivism, constructivism of the critical and post-positivist approach. The role of knowledge and discourse in international relations. Criticism of classical theories.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Alternative approaches: ideas, identity and social construct. Feminism, postcolonialism, green (ecological) theories.
Security (securitization) and security communities. Institutionalism and the role of ideas in policymaking.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theories and research: how to choose an appropriate theoretical framework. The role of theory in research work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Master’s thesis concept and theoretical approach. Presentations and discussions of potential master topics. Assessment and justification of the relevant theory - practical classes.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Master’s thesis concept and theoretical approach. Presentations and discussions of potential master topics. Assessment and justification of the relevant theory - practical classes.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Master’s thesis concept and theoretical approach. Presentations and discussions of potential master topics. Assessment and justification of the relevant theory - practical classes.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Master’s thesis concept and theoretical approach. Presentations and discussions of potential master topics. Assessment and justification of the relevant theory - practical classes.
|
-
Consultation
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Consultancy services
|
-
Test
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Exam
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
22 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
M., Reus-Smit, C., True, J. 2022. Theories of International Relations. Houndmills, New York. Palgrave Macmillan.Suitable for English stream
2.
Hans J. Morgenthau, revised by Kenneth W. Thompson. Politics among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace. Brief ed. (New York [etc.]: McGraw-Hill, 2006) (akcpetējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
3.
Keohane, R. and Nye, J. S. Power and Interdependence: World Politics in Transition. (Boston: Little, Brown and Co. 2012) (akcpetējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
4.
Ernst B. Haas, The Uniting Of Europe: Political, Social, And Economical Forces, 1950-1957 (Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 2004) (akcpetējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
5.
Kenneth Waltz. Theory of International Politics (Boston etc.: McGraw Hills, 1979) (akcpetējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
6.
Ruggie, J., 1998. Constructing the World Polity. London, New York: Roeutledge (akcpetējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
7.
Lene Hansen, Security as Practice, 2006 (akcpetējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
8.
Martha Finnemore and Kathryn Sikkink. “International Norm Dynamics and Political Change”, in Peter J. Katzenstein, Robert O. Keohane, Stephen D. Krasner (eds.), Exploration and Contestation in the Study of World Politics (Cambridge, Massachusetts and London, England: The MIT Press, 1999) (akcpetējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
9.
Alexander Wendt. Social Theory of International Politics (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999) (akcpetējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
10.
Buzan, B., Hansen, L. 2009. The Evolution of International Security Studies. Cambridge University Press. (akcpetējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
Additional Reading
1.
Ryerson Christie. “Critical voices and Human Security: To Endure, To Engage or To Critique?” Security Dialogue, Vol. 41. No. 2, 2010, pp. 169-190. (akcpetējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
2.
Cristopher S. Browning, Matt McDonald. “The future of critical security studies: Ethics and politics of security”. European Journal of International Relations, Vol. 19, No. 2, 2011, pp. 235-255 (akcpetējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
3.
Robert W. Cox, Production Power and World Order: Social Forces in the Making of History, New York: Columbia University Press, 1987 (akcpetējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
4.
Tarak Barkawi, Mark Laffey. “The postcolonial moment in security studies”. Review of International Studies (no. 32, 2006) (akcpetējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
5.
David Campbell. Writing Security: United States Foreign Policy and the Politics of Identity. Manchester University Press, 1998 (akcpetējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream