Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
15485:IR18‐DE101 Theories of International Relations (RB) § 15486:RUIR-1221 Theories of International Relations(RB) 2022 Fall Mon3 College　Of　International　Relations YAMADA MAYUMI 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

MEIGAKUKAN　MG002

Language

English (in Class)
Japanese, English, Spanish (outside class)

Course Outline and Method


I am originally one of the humanitarian-development workers as well as peacebuilding workers of the United Nations, who spent more than half of my life time in different countries/on different continents. I believe I am still one of them, who is well equipped with “sustainable” development studies (luckily with “modern science”). So, as my comparative advantage, let me also share my real (funny, unique?) experience and stories from different countries/regions and the UN system - what are International Relations (IR) theories in academia and in practice - how the IR theories do/do not work, and how the IR theories have been shaped in academia or elsewhere to date.

In class, I am providing IR theories based on the text books as the basic. However, I may provoke students (future generation) to pursue more, and express their own belief and innovative ideas, by challenging bravely the existing theories. I am willing to have constructive dialogue with you, exploring your interest and you hopes/wishes/concern, e.g. Climate Change, COVID-19, Digital transformation (DX), 5G/Space Business in such a global, dynamic, transitional era.

In class, let us have some simulation exercise, gaming-exercise, role-play exercise etc., to digest complex issues as reality & the IR theories, so that we understand different and/or common standpoints.

Importantly, students shall have “academic” opportunities i.e. to prepare a short research paper and present their views/opinions based on academic theories/concepts you learnt. Clearly, the aim is for making positive changes for “one planet”. This course also aims to empower students to become familiar with solution-based studies/scenarios/programming for our common future.

*I will provide feedback on assignments as much as possible through interactive and participative lectures, seminars of this module, and via Manaba+ & meetings during office hours. See you in the class - I ensure that we have fun, exciting learning time together.

Student Attainment Objectives

Successful completing this course, students can:

(1) understand the basic of IR Theories, and identify it’s application in praxis (e.g. exploring some case studies)
(2) recognize a number of IR theories, discussing the academic subjects of IR, global politics. Global governance, and Sustainable Development and Sustaining Peace.
(3) explain what capitalism, socialism and communism means.
(4) explore new, undeveloped realms of the existing IR theories and the beyond, e.g. Green theory, and more.
(5) demonstrate the IR theories in academia: e.g. writing a short-term paper, making oral presentation in public and/or Online.

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

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

Introduction

1. IR - the basic
2. Reviewing syllabus (course description and structure, Q&A)
3. Interacting with the instructor and class colleagues

2

What is about Theories of IR? Why study IR?

1. Overview: International Relations in a global era; Global Governance? World Politics? Globalisation?
2. State types in the Global State System.
2. Class dialogue: What is a state?; Anarchy and Modern state/International system; international politics; International Relations; Non-state Actors

3

1. Liberalism, Neo-liberalism, liberal internationalism

1. Utopia and Reality; Freedom; Democracy; Good/bad States; Liberal Economic order; International Cooperation; R2P (disunity inside the UN)
2. Case studies (Election, Civil resistance, Trade, War)

4

Realism & Neo-realism

1. Power politics; Hegemony; Security; One or Many realism?
2. Case studies (Security Dilemma; Survival? Self-help?: Power, Order and Change in a global era).

5

Social Constructivism

1. The post-cold War context; The Core of Constructivism; Concept of Diffusion
2. Patterns of Conflict and Cooperation; ideas, norms
3. Case studies (Constructivism and Global Change, Peace of Westphalia, Change in International Order)

6

Marxism and Neo-Marxism: Marxist theories of IR

1. Means of Production; Peasants; Dependency theory; Revolution; combined & uneven development; different hegemony?
2. Case studies (understanding differences - Capitalism, Socialism, Communism?)

7

Post colonial and decolonial approaches, Poststructuralism, Post-modernism

1. (De)colonization; Deconstructing State Sovereignty; Identity-Foreign Policy
2. Case studies (failed states; discourse on the Ebola outbreak; Russian discourse)

8

Feminism

1. Why feminism, not human rights?; Power and of Gender, Patriarchy
2. Case studies (Equity, UN Decade for Women (through Game/Role-play exercise)

9

Green theory in IR

1. Climate Change and IR; Ecocentrism & Anthropocentrism; Green politics; Environmental Governance
2. Case studies (Political ecology; Carbon-offset business; Sustainable Development)

10

Application of the IR theories (I)

1. International Ethics; Modern IR; Moral responsibility
2. Case studies (Climate Change, COVID-19, Global Ceasefire)

11

Application of the IR theories (II)

1. The United Nations in World Politics (game, simulation exercise)
2. Case studies (Poverty, Refugees and forced migrants, Humanitarian Assistance, Peace Operations)

12

2. Application of the IR theories (III)

1. Game theories (game, simulation exercise)
2. Case Studies (Political Economy, Green Economy, 5G/Space Business)

13

Outcomes: Students’ Presentations (I)

1. Class dialogue/discussion
2. Instructor’s feedback & comments

14

Outcomes: Students’ Presentations (II)

1. Class dialogue/discussion
2. Instructor’s feedback & comments

15

Outcomes: Students’ Presentations (III)

1. Class dialogue/discussion
2. Instructor’s feedback & comments
3. Wrap up & reflection

Class Format

[BCP Level 1 or 2]

- More than half the total number of classes are to be conducted face-to-face. The remaining classes are to be conducted web-based.
- The format of the web-based classes [live-streaming or on-demand] will be announced on the manaba+R course page.
- Contact information of the course instructor: mayumi-y@fc.ritsumei.ac.jp
- Face-to-face classes may be continued even if the BCP Level is changed to 3 or higher during the semester.
- When a student is unable to attend face-to-face classes due to any of the following conditions, web-based classes will be provided. Students who fall under this category should notify their instructor by the first class.

[Criteria for web-based classes]
<1> Students who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill if infected, such as those with underlying conditions or chronic illness (*).
<2> Students living with a family member who is at high risk of becoming seriously ill if infected, such as those with underlying conditions or chronic illness (*).
<3> Students who are unable to enter Japan due to international travel restrictions.
(*) If the student has an underlying condition defined by the government, such as respiratory
disease, diabetes, heart failure, etc.

[BCP Level 3 or 4]

- In principle, all classes are to be conducted web-based; however, face-to-face classes may be offered, please carefully check your manaba+R course page.

※For more information on Ritsumeikan University's BCP Level, please refer to the following URL, Point No.1 “Measures to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).”
http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/news/detail/?id=475

Recommendations for Private Study

1. Students are expected to go through key reading materials in advance, which the instructor have appointed/provided for study preparation. This will help students engage in interactive dialogue/discussion on key theories/concepts during the sessions.

2. Students are encouraged to go for reading based on the following principles:
a. Who is/are the author/s? When was the publication(s) written? Is it still relevant to date?
b. What is the thesis?
c. What is your argument? Why are you convinced, or not convinced by the existing knowledge (i.e. literature)?
d. What could be your new statement on the existing literature?

3. Students are strongly encouraged to do reflection exercise after respective session:
a. Write down what have you learnt from the theme(s)/sessions.
b. Make a few questions/points that you did not understand well (or disagreed).
c. Explore and read further materials that stimulate your interest, or ask the instructor for further references.
d. Discuss class topic(s) with your friends, colleagues and the instructor inside and outside classes.

I have an open door policy in my office. If you wish to further discuss topics related to this course, or need to have more learning materials etc., please feel free to schedule an appointment with me via email (mayumi-y@fc.ritsumei.ac.jp)

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written) 0

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)		 0

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

(1) Performance in class
a) Class attendance, (b) exercise performance. (c) class contribution/active participation/class facilitation: 45%

(2) Presentation: 25%
(3) Final research assignment (1500-3500 words): 30%

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

(1) Performance in class
a) Class attendance, (b) exercise performance. (c) class contribution/active participation/class facilitation: 45%

(2) Presentation: 25%
(3) Final research assignment (1500-3500 words): 30%

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Textbooks

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
Globalization of World Politics Baylis J. et al. 9780198825548 8th Edition
Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches Jackson R. et al. 9780198803577 7th (8th is better)

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

The instructor is going to provide the reading materials (the text chapters); additional materials (articles) may be posted on Manaba accordingly.

Reference Books

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
International relations : a self-study guide to theory Manuela Spindler Opladen : B. Budrich 9783847400059
Theories of international relations Scott Burchill [et al.] Palgrave Macmillan 9780230362239

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

Web Pages for Reference

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

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

Other Comments

Japanese
担当者の実務経験について
国際連合南スーダン共和国ミッション
国際連合開発計画（ソロモン諸島、ラオス、モルディブ、カザフスタン）
国際連合地域開発センター　（ネパール、バングラデシュ、タイ、スリランカ）
国連平和大学（コスタリカ）

English
The instructor has worked for:

-United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Peacebuilding Officer
-United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Solomon Islands,
-UNDP Laos,
-UNDP Maldives,
-UNDP Kazakhstan,
-United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD: Disaster Management) for Japan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand and Sri Lanka
-University for Peace (Costa Rica - established by United Nations General Assembly)
【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:http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp//students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html