Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Introduction to International Relations

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_003
Branch of Science
International Politics; Political science
ECTS
4.00
Target Audience
Political Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

The course aims to develop students’ understanding of international policy guidelines and scientific aspects of research of international relations.

Preliminary Knowledge

Basic knowledge of politics.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Will know international policy developments and basic concepts of the academic discipline of international relations.

Skills

1.Ability to analyse developments in international relations at a fundamental level.

Competences

1.To be able to conceptualise information about developments in international relations and use them to analyse in a structured way.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work

-
-
Work with required readings of the course; preparation for seminar discussions. To assess the overall quality of the study course, the student must complete the course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination

-
-
Examination: 50% (multiple-choice online test on required readings and lecture material). Informed participation in seminars: 50%.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Global poverty, inequality and development policy.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Environmental policy and climate change.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Exam.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Latvian foreign policy directions and latest developments.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Theoretical guidelines of international relations: realism and liberalism.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

What is the science of “international relations”? How did it appear and what does it study?
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Latvian foreign policy directions and latest developments.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

United Nations, its structure, functions and powers. Meaning of international organisations in international relations.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Global poverty, inequality and development policy.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Great powers of different ages and their meaning in the international system.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Great powers of different ages and their meaning in the international system.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

World economic institutions.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

World economic institutions.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Theoretical guidelines of international relations: realism and liberalism.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

International law and diplomacy.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

International law and diplomacy.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Environmental policy and climate change.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Exam.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

United Nations, its structure, functions and powers. Meaning of international organisations in international relations.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Introductory discussion in theories of international relations; watching video material.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
4.00
Contact hours:
40 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Visa literatūra ir angļu valodā un piemērota gan latviešu, gan angļu plūsmas studentiem

2.

Joseph Grieco, G. John Ikenberry and Michael Mastanduno. Introduction to International Relations. 3rd ed. Bloomsbury, 2022.

Additional Reading

1.

Angela Stent, Jo Inge Bekkevold, Kristi Raik, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, et all. "Two Years On, What’s Next in Ukraine?". Foreign Policy, FEBRUARY 19, 2024.

2.

Stephen M. Walt. "NATO Should Not Accept Ukraine—for Ukraine’s Sake". Foreign Policy. MARCH 5, 2024.