INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Transcription

1 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ACADEMIC YEAR: DEGREE COURSE YEAR: 1º SEMESTER 2º SEMESTER CATEGORY: CORE COMPULSORY OPTIONAL NO. OF CREDITS (ECTS): 6 LANGUAGE: English TUTORIALS: FORMAT: PREREQUISITES: 1- SUBJECT DESCRIPTION This course introduces students to key concepts, theories, processes and major issues in the field of International Relations. More specifically, International Relations studies the interaction among international/global actors (States, International Organizations, NGO, Multinational Corporations, ethnic groups, individuals, etc.) that participate in the International System. The first part of the course begins by analyzing how perceptions influence images of reality. Then, the course identifies the primary actors in the global arena, and finally provides the theoretical basis for understanding international relations. The second part of the course examines central problems in the international system, including conflict and war, economics, international organizations, international law, the North-South gap, demography and the environment. The course provides a basis for a more advanced study of international relations in its different subfields 2- OBJECTIVES AND SKILLS By the end of the course, students should have a solid understanding of the main concepts, theories, components, actors and factors affecting international relations. The learning objective is that the student develops the ability to understand, discuss and interpret current international affairs from a more specialized perspective. Students also should be able to use the International Relations fundamentals and tools to analyze and assess current events and global issues. As a future communicator, the student should be able to direct these abilities at his professional work. Edited by the IE Publications Department. 1

2 The course is designed to develop the following competences: Generic competences Analytical skills and ability to synthesize information Ability to apply knowledge and concepts in practice Ability to obtain, analyse, process and transmit information, either oral or written (Information management skills) Interpersonal skills Ability to work in group Research skills Computer and ICT skills Specific competences Ability to apply abstract theoretical concepts and other tools in analyzing international events and processes. Be able to read, understand, and analyze documents (articles, reports, video, films, etc) of varying complexity on international topics; Skills to critically study and discuss current international events and processes. Be able to work with the resources on international politics available through the world wide web Ability to prepare and communicate information on international issues to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Skills to apply knowledge of international relations in professional practice. 3- CONTENTS Sessions 1, 2. Introduction Welcome and introductions Course/Syllabus overview Introduction to International Relations Sessions 3, 4. Perceptions and images of reality in International Relations Define basic terminology used in international affairs. Distinguish between the individual, national, and global levels of analysis. Explain the importance of changes in the international system. Understand the impact that different perceptions have on international relations. Sessions 5, 6. Actors and the globalization of International Relations Distinguish between state and non-state actors. Describe the core principles of dominance, reciprocity, and identity. Distinguish among states, nations, nation-states, multinational states, and non-state nations. Explain globalization and the various perspectives on the phenomenon. 2

3 Sessions 7, 8, 9, 10. Theories of International Relations Understand the realist approach to international relations and its evolution. Compare and contrast realist and liberal approaches to international relations. Compare and contrast the social theories of international relations with the mainstream approaches of realism and liberalism. Explain and assess the constructivist critique. Explain how postmodernism can be applied to International Relations. Evaluate the feminist critique of international relations. Sessions 11, 12, 13, 14. The State and the International System Identify the various substate actors who influence foreign policy decision-making. Describe the internal and external conditions that affect international policymaking. Describe the concept of hegemony; Ambivalence toward United States hegemony: internationalist vs. isolationist, unilateralism vs. multilateralism, and morality vs. realism. Distinguish between great power and middle powers in the international system. Distinguish among the various types of alliances and the various motivations behind their formation and duration. Understand the role of the state as an international actor, and its relationship with power. Assess the implications of sovereignty and anarchy for international relations. Sessions 15, 16, 17, 18. International Organizations and International Law Distinguish between IGOs and NGOs. Describe the organizational structure of the United Nations and the roles of each institution. Distinguish among the institutions of the European Union. Discuss the purposes of the United Nations and its historical evolution. Discuss the roles of international organizations. Assess the role of international law in contemporary international society. Evaluate the tension between sovereignty and international organization, international law, and individual human rights. Sessions 19, 20, 21, 22. Conflict, War and Terrorism Distinguish between the various types of war, including hegemonic, total, limited, raids, civil, guerrilla, and terrorism. Compare and contrast the types of international conflict: related to tangible interests (territorial disputes, economic conflicts...) and related to intangible clashes of ideas (ethnic conflicts, religious conflicts, and ideological conflicts). Compare and contrast the variety of military forces states may employ in their efforts to achieve specific goals. Compare and contrast terrorism to other kinds of wars. 3

4 Compare and contrast the different types of weapons of mass destruction, the purpose they serve, and their relative availability because of proliferation. Explain the universal and enduring nature of conflict in the international system. Sessions 23, 24. International Political Economy Describe how international trade rules are enforced. Distinguish between liberalism and mercantilism. Compare and contrast the positions of different groups resistant to free trade. Discuss the use of protectionism by states, including reasons and methods. Discuss economic globalization. Discuss the degree of interdependence that exists in the international political economy and the ways in which this can reinforce cooperation. Evaluate the structure and functions of the international financial institutions that support the international monetary system. Sessions 25, 26, 27. North-South relations Define North and South as they pertain to IR. Describe the processes of economic development. Describe the special experiences of China and India as they have developed economically Describe the current state of the South. Explain world-systems theory and the concepts of core, periphery and semiperiphery countries. Sessions 28, 29. Natural resources, technology and International Relations Define the concept of sustainable development. Explain the effects of the telecommunications revolution in information dissemination. Discuss specific environmental problems that require global management; natural resources management, the importance of oil as a source of energy and as a factor in international relations; water and international relations. Session 30. Final exam Notes: Case studies, viewings, quizzes, simulations and debates will be announced in class in advance. Some assigned readings are subject to change as the course moves on and new issues in international affairs arise. 4

5 4- METHODOLOGY AND ECTS WEIGHTING The course is designed with a mixture of presentations by the professor, class discussions and other learning activities, including case studies, viewings, individual and group presentations, simulations and debates. Each topic will begin with a short lecture to explain major concepts and theories, to introduce the historical context and to resolve questions. It will be followed by a group discussion and other activities. There will be sessions devoted to discussion regarding assigned reading materials, followed by a test. There will be current events presentations by students every week. Students are required to write a short discussion paper (3-4 pages) on an international event/conflict (based on a journal article or a piece of news). Assignments will be made in consultation with the professor. Students are expected to participate actively in class discussions and other learning activities. In this sense, regular attendance and proper preparation are expected of all students. The professor strongly encourages reading a quality newspaper or journal to follow current developments in international affairs. ECTS WEIGHTING 6 credits ECTS (6 x 25 h/credit = 150 h. student s work) Activities Classroom Hours Sessions Individual Preparation Hours Total Hours ECTS Lectures Seminars and Debates Study, Readings, Viewings, Case Studies, Quizzes Practical Assignments Other Activities Tutorials Final Exam Total

6 5- EVALUATION SYSTEM 5.1. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS Attendance policy Students not attending 70% of the classes will not be allowed to take the final exam. Students not attending 70% of the classes will also loose the July s retake chance. In July s retake the maximum final score would be of 8 out of 10 Use of laptop in class We recommend the use of a laptop in class, Wi-Fi connection needed. In any case, the use of Wi-Fi for activities not related to this class will hinder your grade on participation. The final grade will take into account all the learning activities undertaken during the course: participation in class activities, preparation of readings and cases, quizzes, oral presentations, written assignments and exams. Any form of plagiarism or cheating will result in a failing grade for the course. In this respect, we will follow the IE Code of Ethics EVALUATION AND WEIGHTING CRITERIA The final grade will take into account all the learning activities undertaken during the course: participation in class activities, preparation of readings and cases, quizzes, oral presentations, written assignments and exams. Final course evaluation (December or July exams) will be based on the following: Attendance and Participation: 10 % Readings/viewings/map quizzes/cases: 40 % Individual/group presentations: 10 % Short Paper: 10 % Final exam: 30 % To pass the course it is necessary to pass the final exam ( 5). If the student fails the final exam, the final grade of the course will be equivalent to the exam s grade. In this last instance, nonexam grades (participation, readings, presentations, etc.) will be maintained for the next evaluation, in July. The evaluation system for the students who are registered for the 3rd and 4th exam session is maintained, but the percentage assigned to the Final Exam will be 40% and there will be no percentage assigned for Attendance and Participation. 6