Dr Jennifer Jackson Preece CBG.7.05 and Dr Katharine Millar CBG.8.13

This course is compulsory on the MSc in International Relations (Research). This course is not available as an outside option.

This course has a limited number of places (it is controlled access). Students who have this course as a compulsory course are guaranteed a place.

This course examines the ways that different theories conceive, analyse and explain the character of international relations. The purpose of the course is to provide a thorough interrogation of these theories, exploring debates both within and between them. Theoretical approaches to be considered include: classical and neo-realism; liberal institutionalism and neo-liberalism; Marxism; constructivism; English School theory; critical theory; post-structuralism; and feminism. The course also interrogates issues relating to the philosophy of science.

This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totaling a minimum of 40 hours across Michaelmas, Lent and Summer Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of online lectures and in-person classes/classes delivered online. Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy.

Students prepare one 2,000 word essay in the MT and one seminar presentation in the MT.

In the LT, the assessment structure will be similar, with one 2,000 word essay and one seminar presentation.

• Chris Brown and Kirsten Ainley (2010) Understanding International Relations, 4th Ed. (Palgrave Macmillan);
• Patrick Jackson (2010), The Conduct of Inquiry in International Relations, (London: Routledge);
• Christian Reus-Smit and Duncan Snidal (eds, 2010), The Oxford Handbook of International Relations, (Oxford: Oxford University Press);
• Scott Burchill et al (eds, 2009), Theories of International Relations, 4th ed. (London: Palgrave).

Essay (100%, 4000 words) in the ST.

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