Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
12835:[2025 Spring]IR18‐DE101 Theories of International Relations (RA) § 12836:RUIR-1221 Theories of International Relations(RA) 2025 Spring Fri5 College　Of　International　Relations ATAKA HIROAKI 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

KOSHINKAN　KS305

Language

英語

Course Outline and Method

【+R-Jugyo】
Information for “+R-Jugyo” will be posted on the “Course News” on manaba+R by April 1. Be sure to check the “Course News” on manaba+R.

This course will introduce students to the basic theoretical approaches to international relations. The aim of the course is to learn the distinct perspectives and how they highlight 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 work, etc. Feedback 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

Theory and Study of International Relations

basic assumptions, “the international,” science and IR

2

Realism

human nature, anarchy, balance of power

3

Liberalism

Liberal Internationalism, reason and progress, harmony of interest

4

Neo-Realism and Neoliberal Institutionalism

Neo-Realism, Neoliberal Institutionalism, neo-neo debate

5

Constructivism

IR as social construction, norms, identities, rules

6

English School

international society, pluralism and solidarism, expansion of international society

7

Marxism and Neo-Marxism

Marx, Marxist IR, dependency, core-periphery

8

Feminism

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

9

Critical Theory and Poststructuralism

Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment, knowledge and power, modernity

10

Origins of IR: Before “the International”

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

11

Cold War and the Development of Modern IR

postwar order, dominance of Realism?, global Cold War

12

Post-Cold War and the Contemporary World

end of history, democractic peace, clash of civilisations, multipolarity?

13

Global War on Terror and Beyond

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

14

Conclusion

wrapping it up

Class Format

This course will be conducted face-to-face unless otherwise instructed.

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"). The 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
* 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
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 Red Globe 978-1137611710
Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches, 8th ed. Robert Jackson, Georg Sørensen, and Jørgen Møller Oxford University Press 978-0198862208
International Relations: A Very Short Introduction Christian Reus-Smit Oxford University Press 978-0198850212
Theories of International Relations, 6th ed. Richard Devetak and Jacqui True, eds. Bloomsbury 978-1352012149
International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity, 6th ed. Tim Dunne, Milja Kurki, Katarina Kušić and Steve Smith, eds. Oxford University Press 978-0192866455

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/