EDS374A International Relations Theory

Aims and objectives

The module aims to provide students with knowledge of mainstream approaches in IR, and an understanding of the importance of theorizing: why theories and theorizing matter both inside and outside academia. In the process, students will develop independent and critical thinking skills and learn to analyse world politics. They will be trained to analytically assess IR theories and discuss global politics from multiple conceptual perspectives.

Combined assessment consists of two components:

- A group project work (30/100)

- Written school exam of three hours on mainstream approaches in IR at the end of the autumn parallel (70/100)

One final grade on an A-F scale.

An individual component can be retaken in the following academic year.

School exam: K1: No use of AI

Other assignments: K3 and follow the NMBU guidelines on AI use.

The course includes lectures and seminars. In lecture sessions, the course convenor will provide an overview of this week's topic, contending perspectives and situate it within the field of IR. The lectures help to guide you through the topics, but in order to be successful in this course, you are expected to do the readings and engage in critical discussions in the seminars. Every lecture will be followed by a seminar session. A seminar will normally consist of a discussion of the mandatory readings and application examples.

Discussion

For the discussion you are expected to prepare the mandatory readings for the seminar. The further readings contextualize the topic. The list of readings is by no means exhaustive and serves to give you an overview of the academic debate and useful resources for your written work.

Prepare questions and points for further debate. In the seminar we will discuss the readings and the lecture in large and small groups.

EDS374A 1 - overlap 5 credits

EDS374 -overlap 5 credits