Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Introduction to Systems Thinking in International Relations
Course Code
SZF_280
Branch of Science
International Politics; Political science
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Political Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Elīna Fīrmane
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
SZF, Kuldigas Street 9C, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of systems thinking and its application in the analysis of international relations. The course develops students’ ability to analyse global political processes as interconnected systems. Students will acquire key concepts that enable them to critically and multidimensionally understand global challenges and the dynamics of policy decision-making in a complex international environment.
Preliminary Knowledge
Basic knowledge of International Relations.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Students demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of systems thinking and their relevance in the analysis of international relations.
Skills
1.Identifying interconnections and system dynamics in global political processes.
Competences
1.The ability to critically evaluate policy decisions at a basic level, taking into account the logic of complex systems.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Independent study |
-
|
-
|
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Engagement with the required course readings; preparation for seminar discussions. |
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|
2.
Article job - fulfilled according to requirements defined in E-Studies |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Article job - fulfilled according to requirements defined in E-Studies |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Informed participation in seminars |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
The student has prepared for the seminar (in accordance with the requirements defined by the lecturer in E-studies). |
||
|
2.
Assessment |
50.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Exam |
||
|
3.
Group work |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Research work shall be developed and presented in small working groups in accordance with the requirements defined in E-studies. |
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
|
Course Introduction. Linear Thinking vs. a Systems Approach in Global Politics
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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What Is a System? Core Principles of Systems Thinking
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
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Seminar. Defining Systems in Policy Analysis: Setting System Boundaries
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
|
2
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Topics
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Seminar. Defining Systems in Policy Analysis: Setting System Boundaries
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interdependence in Global Politics
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar. Analysing Interdependence. Group Work
|
-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
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Feedback Loops in Global Politics
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
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Seminar. Analysing Feedback Loops: Mapping System Dynamics. Group Work
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
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Why Policy Decisions Can Produce Unintended Consequences: A Systems Perspective
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
|
2
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Topics
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Analysing the Consequences of Policy Decisions in International Politics
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
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Study room
|
2
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Topics
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Systems Thinking and Theories of International Relations
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
|
2
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Topics
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Seminar. Systemic Analysis of Global Problems
|
-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Complexity and Interconnected Crises in Global Politics
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Seminar. Climate Policy as a System
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
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Seminar. Migration as a System
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
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Topics
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Systems Thinking in the Analysis of Global Politics: Course Reflections
|
-
Test
|
Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
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Exam
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Meadows, D. H. (2008). Thinking in Systems: A Primer. Edited by Diana Wright. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green Publishing. (akceptējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
2.
Sterman, J. D. (2000). Business Dynamics: Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World. Boston: Irwin/McGraw-Hill. (akceptējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream