Course 2024-2025

International Relations Theories [EPOLB362]

  • 5 credits
  • 30h+15h
  • 1st quarter
Language of instruction: English

Learning outcomes

The course aims to present both the material and the formal object of international relations. The presentation of paradigms, theories and approaches is organised around three groups, namely the actors (state and non-state), the nature of their interactions or strategies (cooperative or competitive) and, finally, the framework (structures, norms, institutions) in which these are deployed. Particular attention is paid to the practical application of these concepts.

Content

The theory and discipline of international relations; liberalism, realism, constructivism, postmodernism, critical theory, and international debates (war, peace, justice, culture).


Prerequisites

Science politique [EPICB160]

Teaching methods

Lectures supplemented by fifteen hours of practical work by an assistant.

Evaluations

Students are assessed at several levels, taking into account both active participation and mastery of the course content. This assessment combines the results of the oral examination (2/3 of the final mark) and those of the practical work (1/3 of the final mark).

The oral examination lasts around fifteen minutes and includes preparation time. It consists of three/four questions and, if necessary, points of clarification. These questions require knowledge of the concepts, how they are used in the various theories and how they may be used in international practice.

The average of the work done in practical sessions counts for 1/3. Participation in these assignments is compulsory. There are no exceptions to this rule. A student who fails an examination because of insufficient participation in practical work has no choice but to make the same effort in the oral examination as is required to pass the course as a whole. In other words, the mark obtained for participation is automatically renewed in the event of a second session.

Recommended readings

Barréa Jean, Théories des relations internationales, Namur, Erasme, 2003. Battistella Dario, Théories des relations internationales, Paris, Presses de Sciences Po, 2006. Baylis John et Smith Steve (éds.), The Globalization of World Politics : An Introduction to International Relations, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2001. Carlsnaes Walter et al. (éds), Handbook of International Relations, Londres, Sage, 2002. Burchill Scott et al, Theories of International Relations, New York, Palgrave Macmillan, 1996. Dunne Tim et al. (éds.), International Relations Theories : Discipline and Diversity, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2006. Jackson Robert et Sorensen Georg, Introduction to International Relations, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1999. Macleod Alex et al. (éds.), Relations internationales : Théories et concepts, Montréal, Athéna, 2008. Roche Jean-Jacques, Théories des relations internationales, Paris, Montchrestien (coll. " Clefs Politiques "), 1997. Smith Steve et al. (éds.), International Theory : Positivism and beyond, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1996.

Language of instruction

English

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté des sciences économiques, sociales et de gestion
Rue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 NAMUR

Degree of Reference

Undergraduate Degree