Course type:: Compulsory course

When:: 1 year, 1, 2 module

Instructors

Korobochkina, Alena

Krivokhizh, Svetlana

Full Syllabus

Abstract

This course surveys the main paradigms and frameworks of analysis that comprise the academic study of International Relations (IR). The first part of the course covers both mainstream and critical approaches to the subject as well as non-western approaches in IR. The second part of the course studies the co-constitutive relationship between the theory and practice of international relations using cases from Asian contemporary history. The lectures give basic overviews of various theoretical approaches, while the readings and discussion on seminars provide a ‘toolkit’ of concepts that students can use to analyze international relations in Asia.

Learning Objectives

The course is tailored for students majoring in “Cross-Cultural Studies of Asia and Africa in the Context of International Relations”, and is mandatory for students in both trajectories of the above-mentioned program. The course will discuss the major modern theories of international relations, such as liberalism, Marxism, constructivism, feminism, the English school, etc. Second, lecturers will introduce major state institutions responsible for international policy and decision-making. Finally, students will also learn about the methodology of research in the history of international relations and analyze it with concrete examples.
To give students an overview of the major modern theories of international relations, such as Liberalism, Marxism, Constructivism, Feminism, the English school, etc.
To develop students' skills in application of theoretical models and methodology to the analysis of the history of international relations in Asian and African countries.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Describes the major modern theories of international relations, key state institutions responsible for international policy and their functions.
Knows the major theories of international relations applied and reflected in Asian and African countries.
Explains the relevance of key terms in international relations.
Traces evolution of international relations in particular region or state.
Identifies the strengths and weaknesses of IR’s various theoretical approaches.
Applies the concepts of international relations to the analysis of foreign policy in Asia and Africa.
Knows the typical features of the modern diplomacy, its actors, factors, tasks and processes.
Knows five primary negotiation styles and gives its examples.
Knows the difference between ideas and norms.
Knows how ideas and norms relate to interests in international politics.
Gives examples of international conflicts and its resolution processes.
Knows the problems inherited to peacekeeping missions.
Describes the drivers of regional integration.
Understand how domestic politics affect international cooperation.
Applies a variety of research methods to the study of international relations in Asia and Africa.
Knows how the relationship between conflict and war can be conceptualized

Course Contents

Block 1. Main theories and approaches
Block 2. Selected concepts and topics within International Relations Theory
Block 3. Methods and methodology

Assessment Elements

In-class Participation
In each seminar students should participate in a discussion on the relevant topic, making comments and arguing their opinion based on their knowledge of sources, homework materials and specialized literature.
Tests on compulsory literature
Tests consist of 10 questions of different formats: multiple choice, filling in the gap, open-ended question. The response time is 10 minutes. Only 2 tests in the course, on seminar 5 and seminar 13. Tests on compulsory literature are not possible to retake.
Exam
The exam is a test consisting of 20 questions of different formats: multiple choice, filling in the gap, open-ended question. The response time is 40 minutes. Exam questions are based on lectures and seminars. Exam is possible to retake.

Interim Assessment

2024/2025 2nd module
0.4 * Exam + 0.3 * In-class Participation + 0.3 * Tests on compulsory literature

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Brown, C., & Ainley, K. (2009). Understanding International Relations (Vol. Foruth edition). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1522816
Saadia M. Pekkanen, John Ravenhill, & Rosemary Foot. (2014). The Oxford Handbook of the International Relations of Asia. Oxford University Press.
Scott Burchill, Andrew Linklater, Richard Devetak, Jack Donnelly, Terry Nardin, Matthew Paterson, Christian Reus-Smit, & Jacqui True. (2013). Theories of International Relations: Vol. 5th edition. Palgrave Macmillan.
Simmons, B. A., Risse-Kappen, T., & Carlsnaes, W. (2013). Handbook of International Relations. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=716889
Yahuda, M. B., & Shambaugh, D. L. (2008). International Relations of Asia. Lanham, Md: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=243634

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Baylis, J. (DE-588)139834338, (DE-576)160207436. (2011). The globalization of world politics : an introduction to international relations / John Baylis; Steve Smith; Patricia Owens. Oxford [u.a.]: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.335482058
Berridge, G. (2015). Diplomacy : Theory and Practice (Vol. Fifth edition). Houndmills, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1054179
Donnelly J. Realism and international relations. – Cambridge University Press, 2000.
Halliday, F. (2005). The Middle East in International Relations : Power, Politics and Ideology. Cambridge University Press.
Holmes, A., & Rofe, J. S. (2016). Global Diplomacy : Theories, Types, and Models. Boulder, Colorado: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1196773
Lewis, R. D. (2006). When Cultures Collide : Leading Across Cultures 4th Edition (Vol. 3rd ed). Boston: Nicholas Brealey. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=160054
William A. Joseph. (2014). Politics in China : An Introduction, Second Edition: Vol. Second edition. Oxford University Press.

Authors

KOROBOCHKINA ALYONA VALEREVNA
KRIVOKHIZH SVETLANA VALENTINOVNA

Master’s Programme 'Cross-Cultural Studies of Asia and Africa in the Context of International Relations'

Contact information

Contemporary Theories of International Relations and Political Processes in Asia and Africa