Face-to-face , first term, 30 hours of theory.

First term
Monday from 17:15 to 19:15 at 119 Marais 3200

French

This course is an undergraduate-level introduction to International Relations (IR) theory. It is structured around three core engagements: IR as a branch of philosophical knowledge; IR as a social science; and IR as a dimension of ‘actual existing' world politics. The course surveys both mainstream and critical approaches to the subject, examining how these theories conceptualise ‘the international' as a field of study.

This course unit aims to:

• To enable students to develop their knowledge of the main IR theories
• To enable students to assess the contributions and shortcomings of both mainstream and critical IR theories
• To interrogate how ‘the international' has been constructed as a field of study.
• To connect IR with debates, both methodological and theoretical, that has been germane to the formation of social science as a whole.
• To demonstrate how theory provides a road map, toolkit or lens by which to examine international events and processes

On completion of this unit, successful students will be able to:

• Gain a considered understanding of the history and rationale of IR as a discipline
• Discuss critically about major IR theories, relating these both to contemporary events and historical processes
• Possess the means to show how theory and practice intertwine in constituting mainstream and critical IR theories
• Gain an enhanced critical perspective for the understanding of the many worlds we live in

For the Bachelor in History :

For the Bachelor in Information and Communication :

For the Bachelor in Modern Languages and Letters: German, Dutch and English :

For the Bachelor in Philosophy :

For the Bachelor in Political Sciences: General :

For the Bachelor in Political Sciences: General (Evening Programme) :

For the Bachelor in Sociology and Anthropology :

For the Bachelor in Philosophy :

September 18 Lecture 1 Introduction

The course consists of 11 lectures of two hours each, exposing one theory in particular, related to concrete and topical examples. The course guide outlines texts that are required reading each week. These are intended to provide a basis for class discussion, to introduce key concepts and issues, and to act as a starting point for more advanced, independent enquiry of particular topics. These texts should be digested ahead of the lecture. While you are not expected to have prior knowledge of the material we will be discussing, it is important that you are keen, active and involved participants in the course as a whole.

- Research paper (10/20)
- Multiple Choice Questions (5/10)
- One question on the course (5/10)

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Manuals and textbooks
In French
BATTISTELLA, D., Théories des Relations Internationales, Paris, Presses de Sciences Po, 2009.

BLOM, A. & CHARILLON, F., Théories et concepts des relations internationales, Hachette 2001.

DE SENARCLENS, P., La mondialisation : théories, enjeux et débats, Paris, Armand Colin, 2002.

LAROCHE J., Politique Internationale, Paris, Librairie générale de droit et de jurisprudence, 2000.

SMOUTS, M.C. (dir.), Les nouvelles relations internationales : pratiques et théories, Paris, Presses de Sciences Po, 1998.

TELO, M., Relations internationales : une perspective européenne, Bruxelles, Editions de l'Université de Bruxelles, 2008.

In English
BROWN, C., Sovereignty, rights and justice: international political theory today, Cambridge: Polity Press, 2002.
BROWN, C. Understanding International Relations, Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire, Palgrave, 2001.
CARLNAES, W., RISSE, T. & SIMMONS, B. A. (eds.), Handbook of international relations, London: Sage, 2009.
CHAN, S. (ed.), Theories of international relations, London: Sage Publications Ltd., 2005.
DER DERIAN, J., Critical Practices in International Theory: Selected Essays, London: Routledge, 2009.
JORGENSEN, K.E., International Relations Theory. A New introduction, Bqsingstoke: Macmillan Palgrave, 2010.
LAPID, Y., JACOBSON, D. & M. ALBERT, Identities, Borders and Orders: Rethinking International Theory, Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2001
NAU, H. R., Perspectives on international relations: power, institutions, ideas, Washington, D.C.: CQ press, 2011.
REUS-SMIT, C. & SNIDAL, D. (eds.), The Oxford handbook of international relations, Oxford: Oxford university press, 2008.
Dictionary
In French
ATTAR, F., Dictionnaire des relations internationales : de 1945 à nos jours, Paris, Seuil, 2009.

DUFAULT, E., DUFOUR, F.G., MACLEOD, A., MORIN D., Relations internationales, théories et concepts, Outremont, Athéna éditions, 2008.

SMOUTS, M. C., BATTISTELLA, D., VENNESSON, P., Dictionnaire des relations internationales : approches, concepts doctrines, Paris, Dalloz, 2003.

In English
DIEZ, T., BODE, I., FERNANDES DA COSTA, A., Key Concepts in International Relations, London, Sage, 2011.

Academic journals
In French
Critique Internationale (CI) [https://www.cairn.info/revue-critique-internationale.htm]
Cultures & Conflits. Sociologie Politique de l'International (C&C) [https://www.cairn.info/revue-cultures-et-conflits.htm]
Politique étrangère [https://www.cairn.info/revue-politique-etrangere.htm]

In English
International Studies Perspectives (ISP)
International Studies Review (ISR)