Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
15174:IR18‐DE101 Theories of International Relations (RA) § 15175:RUIR-1221 Theories of International Relations(RA) 2023 Spring Mon3 College　Of　International　Relations ATAKA HIROAKI 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

MEIGAKUKAN　MG002

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. Feedbacks on assignments will be provided via manaba+R. 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

The students will be able to:

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, core-periphery

9

Feminism

sex and gender, diverse approaches, “the international is personal”

10

Critical Theory and Poststructuralism

Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment, knowledge and power, modernity

11

Origins of IR: Before “the International”

historicising IRT, myths of 1648 and 1919, colonial legacies, imperialism and internationalism

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, democractic peace, clash of civilisations, multipolarity?

14

Global War on Terror and Beyond

9/11, war on terror, Islamic State, emotions

15

Conclusion

wrapping it up

Class Format

BCP停止の場合は、BCPレベル0～2の記載どおりに授業が行われます。
During the suspension period of BCP, classes will be as described in BCP levels 0-2.

The class Format for each class will be announced on manaba+R’s course news. Also, the class format for the first class will be notified on manaba+R’s course news before the first class(*).
For “Special Consideration”, please check manaba+R’s College of IR Student Page and the “Study Support Site”.

College of IR Student Page：https://ct.ritsumei.ac.jp/ct/course_1728150
Study Support Site：https://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/pathways-future/eng/

(*)To check the class format for the first class of the course, you will need to apply for the “early use request function.” Refer to the Registration Guidebook AY 2023 for details. Please be careful that applying for the early use request does not sign you up for the course. You will need to register for courses during the designated period separately.

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, 6th ed. Richard Devetak and Jacqui True, eds Bloomsbury 978-1352012149
The Globalization of World Politics, 9th ed. John Baylis, Steve Smith and Patricia Owens, eds. Oxford University Press 978-0192898142
Understanding International Relations, 5th ed. Chris Brown Palgrave Macmillan 978-1137611703
Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches, 8th ed. Jackson, Robert, Georg Sørensen, and Jørgen Møller Oxford University Press 978-0198862208
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
International Relations: A Very Short Introduction Reus-Smit, Christian Oxford University Press 978-0198850212

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

【科目ナンバリング・カリキュラムマップはこちらから/Click here to see the Curriculum-Map and Course-Numbering】
URL:https://secure.ritsumei.ac.jp/students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html/