Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
12741:IR18‐DE101 Theories of International Relations (RA) § 12742:RUIR-1221 Theories of International Relations(RA) 2019 Spring Tue2 College Of International Relations ATAKA HIROAKI 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

MEIGAKUKAN　MG001

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

This course will introduce students with the basic theoretical approaches to international relations. The aim of the course is to learn the distinct perspectives and how it highlights different aspects of international relations, while locating them in historical and spatial contexts. Teaching methodologies employed include a combination of lectures and discussion oriented seminars; students will be expected to prepare for class through weekly readings, engage in group works, etc. By studying for this course, students will be able to understand the basic theories, concepts and debates in International Relations and to apply these insights to contemporary international affairs.

Student Attainment Objectives

1. Understand the basic theories, concepts and debates in International Relations.
2. Distinguish and compare between different theoretical paradigms.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking as evidenced through both written work and group discussions.

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) Theme
Keyword, References and Supplementary Information
1

Introduction

Course description and structure; What is IR theory?
2

Theory and Study of International Relations

Basic assumptions; “the International”; Science and IR
3

Realism

Human nature; Anarchy; Balance of power
4

Liberalism

Liberal Internationalism; Reason and progress; Harmony of interest
5

Neo-Realism and Neoliberal Institutionalism

Neo-Realism; Neoliberal Institutionalism; Neo-neo debate
6

Constructivism

IR as social construction; Norms; Identities; Rules
7

English School

International society; Pluralism and solidarism; Expansion of international society
8

Marxism and Neo-Marxism

Marx; Marxist IR; Dependency
9

Feminism

Sex and gender; Masculine logic; “The international is personal”
10

Critical Theory and Poststructuralism

Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment; Knowledge and power; Modernity
11

Origins of IR: Before “the International”

Historicizing IRT; Myths of 1648 and 1919; Colonial legacies
12

Cold War and the Development of Modern IR

Postwar order; Dominance of Realism?; Global Cold War
13

Post-Cold War and the Contemporary World

End of history; Clash of civilisations
14

Global War on Terror and Beyond

9/11; War on Terror; Islamic State; Emotions
15

Conclusion

Wrapping it up

Class Format

Recommendations for Private Study

Students will be expected to read either the required reading or (if you prefer) one of the recommended readings before class each week. The list of weekly required/recommended readings will be distributed via manaba+R (the "full syllabus"). Course page on manaba+R will be available once you register for the course.

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written)

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)

Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment　
(Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class)		 100

Essay Structure Exercise (30%)
* Identify key components of an essay
* 500-1,000 words

Final Essay (40%)
* 2,000 words (including footnotes and bibliography)

Attendance and Participation (30%)
* Students are expected to attend and participate each week.
* Weekly readings and other assignments will be announced in Week 1.

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

English/Japanese will be acceptable in oral communication/ mail communication/ communication paper.

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

Reference Books

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
Theories of International Relations, 5th ed. Scott Burchill and Andrew Linklater, eds. Palgrave Macmillan 978-0230362239
The Globalization of World Politics, 7th ed. John Baylis, Steve Smith and Patricia Owens, eds. Oxford University Press 978-0198739852
Understanding International Relations, 5th ed. Chris Brown Palgrave Macmillan 978-1137611703
Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches, 7th ed. Jackson, Robert, Georg Sørensen, and Jørgen Møller Oxford University Press 978-0198803577
A History of International Relations Theory, 3rd ed. Torbjørn L. Knutsen Manchester University Press 978-0719095818
The Making of Global International Relations: Origins and Evolution of IR at its Centenary Amitav Acharya and Barry Buzan Cambridge University Press 978-1108727112

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

Web Pages for Reference

E-International Relations: http://www.e-ir.info

How to Communicate with the Instructor In and Out of Class(Including Instructor Contact Information)

Communication Paper,Learning Management System （manaba+R）,Talk with Students

Other Comments