Introduction Course International Relations

Course goals

• Students will acquire knowledge about the history, theory and practice of international relations. This knowledge includes the most important elements of the historiography
• Students will learn to apply theory to historical cases and present-day events in international relations
• Students will acquire some insight in the applicability of International relations in the work place.
• Students will develop an working attitude appropriate for the academic world.

Content

This course offers an introduction to the history, theories and practice of international relations. Originally, state sovereignty provided the basis for international relations. However, since the 20th century, the state's centrality has been undercut by the development of international law, the establishment of international organizations and the rise of non-state actors like non-governmental organizations. That shift will be analyzed in this course.

From a historical perspective, the course will focus on themes such as the globalization of world politics, the rise of modern international order, the international history of the twentieth century, the end of the cold war, rising powers and the emergence of a new global order. Additionally, the course offers an overview of the main theories of international relations, from liberal internationalism, realism and social constructivism to Marxist theories, feminism and postcolonial & decolonial approaches. Different theorists who have contributed important interpretations of global politics will be highlighted. The practice of international relations is addressed with topics such as international organizations, NGO’s, regionalism, war, security, terrorism, international law, human rights, and humanitarian intervention. 

Additional information

This is the first course of the minor International Relations.

Please note: the time slot shown here is not yet final and may still be modified until the 3rd Wednesday in September.