Overview
The basic theories and debates in the international relations theory literature. Theories covered include: realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism.
Why do states form alliances? Has the state been overtaken by regions? What is theory and how can it help us to understand the real world? To the extent that the world we live in is not random and reflects patterns of behaviour, theory is our main tool for understanding it. In this paper, we will survey the main theories used in contemporary international relations theory.
About this paper
| Paper title | International Relations Theory |
|---|---|
| Subject | Politics |
| EFTS | 0.25 |
| Points | 30 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,972.25 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- MPols
- Contact
- politics@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information on the Department's website
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
We review the major theories of international relations and apply them to contemporary international issues with a focus on the Indo-Pacific. Topics covered range from the debate on the end of the Cold War, liberal international order, China’s Rise and US-China Relations, Taiwan as an international Security Issue, and regionalism in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
- Textbooks
There will be no course reader for POLS 540. Readings are available from Library short loan desk.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will have:
- The capacity to analyse and evaluate the issues and debates in the international relations theory literature
- The ability to conduct independent and self-directed research
- The ability to synthesise and integrate information from many sources into an original text