Saint-Louis University - Bruxelles
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MHCG1241 - History of international relations



Credits : 5

Lecturer :
Mode of delivery :
Face-to-face , first term, 45 hours of theory.

Language of instruction :
French and english

Learning outcomes :
This course provides the knowledge and competences needed for the understanding og the history and of the analysis of international phenomena. More precisely, the course aims at making students: (i) gain knowledge of the main events, actors and stakes of international relations; (ii) understand the main concepts and theories used in international relations. At the end of the course, students will be able to associate each concept/theory to at least one concrete example; (iii) develop analytical skills and a critical mind with regards to the ideas produced by observers and practitioners on the international scene. At the end of the course, students will be able to discuss in detail the information contained in short publications dealing with international relations.

Prerequisites :
None

Co-requisites :
None

Course contents :
In the Bachelor program, this course insists on reasoning. Internationalists have been inspired by history and by former academic work to propose new analytical tools. The effort they have done, to constantly link theory to practice is at the core of this course, which presents the events, concepts and theories that shape the IR discipline.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
Each class starts with a common activity (role-playing, games, videos, etc.). It then exposes particular theories/concepts of international relations and gives concrete illustrations. After the break the reading associated to each class is presented in about 5 min. Like it is the case for other scientific disciplines, internationalists have improved their analytical tools progressively, following the evolution of particular historical events. Each class can be understood individually. Put together, all classes follow the evolution of the discipline. The course rests on three teaching methods: active learning during the introductory activities; lectures that are given by the professor; several readings associated to the classes.

Assessment methods and criteria :
The evaluation of the course is a written exam organised in three steps: (i) questions of definition; (ii) a MCQ (multiple-choice questionnaire); (iii) questions of reflection.

Recommended or required reading :
ATTAR, F., Dictionnaire des relations internationales : de 1945 à nos jours, Paris, Seuil, 2009.; SMOUTS, M. C., BATTISTELLA, D., VENNESSON, P., Dictionnaire des relations internationales : approches, concepts doctrines, Paris, Dalloz, 2003; MORIN J.F et ORSINI A. Politique internationale de l'environnement, Presses de Science Po, 2015.