About this course

The course is the first of a two-part graduate level introduction to International Relations (IR) theory: the theories, debates, and major scholarly traditions in IR, which have become known as ‘mainstream IR’. The course 1) surveys the major theoretical approaches in IR, core texts and their objects of study and 2) situates these approaches within the development of International Relations as an academic discipline and 3) explores and critically discusses their strengths and limitations for understanding world politics.

Learning outcome

Aims and objectives

The module aims to provide students with knowledge of mainstream approaches in IR, and an understanding of the importance of theorizing: why theories and theorizing matter both inside and outside academia. In the process, students will develop independent and critical thinking skills and learn to analyse world politics. They will be trained to analytically assess IR theories and discuss global politics from multiple conceptual perspectives.

  • Learning activities

    The course includes lectures and seminars. In lecture sessions, the course convenor will provide an overview of this week's topic, contending perspectives and situate it within the field of IR. The lectures help to guide you through the topics, but in order to be successful in this course, you are expected to do the readings and engage in critical discussions in the seminars. Every lecture will be followed by a seminar session. A seminar will normally consist of a discussion of the mandatory readings and application examples.

    Discussion

    For the discussion you are expected to prepare the mandatory readings for the seminar. The further readings contextualize the topic. The list of readings is by no means exhaustive and serves to give you an overview of the academic debate and useful resources for your written work.

    Prepare questions and points for further debate. In the seminar we will discuss the readings and the lecture in large and small groups.

  • Teaching support

    The course plan and reading materials will be made available in the learning platform Canvas. How to access teaching staff for questions and discussions will be explained at the first lecture.

  • Syllabus

    The pensum consists of leading and classic articles on mainstream IR schools of thought. Required literature is detailed in the Canvas (online) classroom and will be made available there.

  • Assessment method

    Combined assessment consists of two components:

    - A group project work (30/100)

    - Written school exam of three hours on mainstream approaches in IR at the end of the autumn parallel (70/100)

    One final grade on an A-F scale.

  • About use of AI

    School exam: K1: No use of AI

    Other assignments: K3 and follow the NMBU guidelines on AI use.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    External examiner will cross-examine the exams.

  • Mandatory activity

    A group work in which students develop key discussion questions from the mandatory readings. The questions have to be submitted a week before the seminar. The group work is awarded a pass or fail grade.

  • Teaching hours

    ca. 44

  • Preferential right

    M-IR and M-GEP