POLITICAL CONCEPTS AND METHODS

The course ‘Concepts and Methods in International Relations' is a course of political science. It introduces students of the curriculum "Global Studies" (RIC) to the key vocabulary and core methodological approaches in Political Science and International Relations. It is taught in English.

This seminar aims at introducing Master students to some of the foundational concepts and approaches in Political Science and International Relations. The course consists of two parts with (1) a discussion of key methodological approaches, and (2) an examination of key concepts looking at claims, conditions, systems of governance and modes of transformation. While the list of concepts that will be discussed in the course is not exhaustive, it will nevertheless allow for an immersion into the foundational terminology of the field.

Participants in this course will acquire a robust knowledge of the key terms, concepts and methodological approaches in International Relations and Political Science. This knowledge will enhance their analytical skills as well as empower them to express their views pertaining to international politics. The advanced level of student involvement in the course will also allow participants to improve their presentation and discussion skills.

6 ECTS in History/Political science. A basic knowledge of International Relations Theories would be useful. Students who have never attended a class in International Relations or Political Science should consider reading in advance the following short introduction to the core themes of International Relations:

Reus-Smit, Christian. 2020. International Relations. A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Part 1: Key methodological approaches
Part 2: Key concepts in International Relations and Political Science
- Claims
- Conditions
- Systems of governance
- Modes of transformation

Berenskoetter, Felix (ed.). 2016. Concepts in World Politics. Sage Publlications, London.
Reus-Smit, Christiana and Duncan Snidal (eds.). 2010. The Oxford Handbook of International Relations. Oxford, University of Oxford Press.

The texts will be available on Moodle. In addition, additional texts will be uploaded for each session.

Students are expected to read the respective chapter and papers indicated in the comprehensive syllabus before each session. They are also expected to prepare a presentation and write a response paper.

Students, independent of their status as online or present student, can choose between two different sets of assessments.

A. Continuous Evaluation
Students who choose Continuous Evaluation will be assessed continuously throughout the semester. They are therefore exempt from the final exam.

They will do the following to complete the course:
1. In week 1, they will form a working group with 1 or 2 co-students, choose a theme (a method or concept) and prepare a presentation in class. The presentation will be 15-20 minutes long and followed by questions and answers. The presentation will be prepared in PowerPoint. It will be uploaded on Moodle for the perusal of all course participants. In each session, there will be two student presentations.
2. They will sit a short written interim exam (single choice test) in week 8.
3. They will write a response paper (1000 words) to a question set by the instructor.

Students who cannot make a presentation will write a take home essay (2000 words) on a question to be determined by the convenor.

The final grade will be calculated as follows
- 1/3 Presentation [or take home essay]
- 1/3 Interim exam
- 1/3 Response paper

B. Single Exam
Students who op for the single exam assessment will write a final written exam of 2 hours. The exam consists of three sections:

- 1/3 Multiple-choice test
- 1/3 Analytical questions (33.3%)
- 1/3 Essay question.

This exam will count for 100% of the course grade.

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Lectures, compulsory readings before the sessions and presentations and discussions in class.

Students can opt either for continuous assessment or single exam assessment.