EDS203 Introduction to International Relations
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Showing course contents for the educational year 2019 - 2020 .
Course responsible: Kirsti Stuvøy
ECTS credits: 5
Faculty: Faculty of Landscape and Society
Teaching language: EN
(NO=norsk, EN=Engelsk)
(NO=norsk, EN=Engelsk)
Limits of class size:
-
Teaching exam periods:
This course starts in August block. This course has teaching/evaluation in August block.
Course frequency: Annually
First time: Study year 2010-2011
Preferential right:
M-IR
Course contents:
This introductory course addresses what international relations is as a field of study, provides students with experiences in how to analyse international relations through case studies, and introduces them to key debates in the field today. This is done across three parts: In the first part of the course, the central role of the state in the international system and the historical emergence of principles such as sovereignty and non-intervention are in focus. Emphasis is placed on discussions of change and continuity of the international state-system, including among others, the emergence powerful international actors vis-à-vis the state, challenges to multilateral institutions, changing forms of warfare and changing capacities of states themselves. The second part of the course applies a case-study approach to international relations and introduces students to selected cases in security, global development and climate politics. These cases address particular international political challenges and at the same time introduces students to the conduct of case-based analysis in international relations. The third and final part introduces students to discussions of international relations as a global field of study, emphasising the main assumptions of postcolonial thinking in international relations and deals with its critiques.
Learning outcome:
The course provides a basic introduction to international relations, main theories and how to use them analytically. At the end of the course, the student has: - Learned the core content of and how to use the main theoretical approaches to international relations, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and critical theory; -Experience with teamwork, learned to know other students and how to be a team player and a resource to each others learning process; - Learned how to write a good paper in international relations; and - Training in basic principles of academic writing, such as how to properly cite references.
Learning activities:
Learning methods include lectures, discussions, group work, oral and written presentations, role play and consultations with academic advisor.
Attendance: Generally speaking, and across academic disciplines, there is a strong correlation between lecture attendance and a student's final mark for any given course. Despite one or two exceptions, poor attendance usually translates into poor final marks. This is because you will not have had the forum to discuss ideas, nor will you have had a comparable guide to the ideas and problems discussed during the lecture course. It is therefore strongly recommended that you attend all lectures. It is also recommended that the students organize so called colloquies, discussion groups in where they can discuss their ideas on religion and politics, however, this is up to the students them-selves.
Independent work: Of course, independent work is as important as attendance. It is advised that you read broadly. On average, and other commitments notwithstanding, you are expected to give about day a week to self-study on this course, i.e. at least six to seven hours per week. It is recommended that you do at least two hours of preparation a week for the seminars and at least an hour of additional reading before rather than after the lecture. Lectures are to help you with the reading not to substitute for it. Good preparation will greatly reduce the amount of work you will put into writing your essays.
The format of the seminars: The seminars are the arena for student-led discussions.
Skills in focus: Throughout the course, students are introduced to various services and skills-oriented training for academic studies, including the NMBU Writing Centre, the NMBU library, as well as the university regulation on plagiarism and other study specific questions regarding studies at NMBU.
Teaching support:
Supervision during group work and collquiums.
Office hours and procedures are established at the first class meeting. A course outline is presented in Canvas prior to the start of the course. Information about time and place of lectures and seminars is available in Time Edit on NMBU's website under course code EDS203.
Syllabus:
To be updated.
Prerequisites:
Bachelor degree
Recommended prerequisites:
Mandatory activity:
Submit signed plagiarism declaration.
Assessment:
Evaluation will be based on two assignments graded graded pass or fail:
In both assignments proper academic referencing is required. Plagiarism will be seriously stricken down on, as will failure to contribute.
The papers should be written in font 12 and the Times New Roman Style, with 1.5 line spacing.
Exam only in English.
Nominal workload:
150 hours
Entrance requirements:
Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)
Reduction of credits:
-
Type of course:
The course will run over 3 weeks with 10 hours of activities, e.g. lectures, seminars, exercises, every week.
Note:
-
Examiner:
External evaluation shall be used in connection with the assessment arrangements.
Examination details: Continuous exam: Passed / Failed