International Relations

Code:

LRI027

Acronym:

RI

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	International Relations

Instance: 2022/2023 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of History, Political and International Studies
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Languages and International Relations

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
LRI	131	Study plan	1	-	6	41	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

- Define “international relations” and describe its historical evolution, contrasting Western and non-Western perspectives;

- Identify the actors of world politics and the role they play;

- Explore the main structural, institutional and sociological concepts of International Relations;

- Understand both the traditional and critical theories of International Relations as well as other emerging perspectives, using concrete examples;

- Discuss some of the main contemporary global issues;

- Develop critical thinking and analytical and argumentative skills.

Learning outcomes and competences

By the end of this course unit, students are expected to be able to:

- Discuss the complexity and diversity of international relations as both a field of knowledge and political practice;

- Define and relate the key concepts of International Relations;

- Apply the different theories of International Relations to the analysis of global issues and facts.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

None.

Program

1. What are international relations? Definition, actors, origins and historical evolution

2. The levels of analysis and theories of International Relations

3. The structures and processes of world politics

4. Global issues 

Mandatory literature

J. Baylis, S. Smith, P. Owens; The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations, Oxford University Press, 2020
R. Devetak, J. True; Theories of International Relations, Bloomsbury, 2022
S. McGlinchey; Foundations of International Relations, Bloomsbury, 2022
S. McGlinchey, R. Walters; International Relations Theory, E-International Relations Publishing, 2017

Complementary Bibliography

C. Brown; Understanding International Relations, Red Globe Press, 2019
D. Chandler, F. Müller, D. Rothe; International Relations in the Anthropocene: New Agendas, New Agencies and New Approaches, Palgrave Macmillan, 2021
A. Tickner, K. Smith; International Relations from the Global South: Worlds of Difference, Routledge, 2020
P. D. Williams, M. McDonald; Security Studies: An Introduction, Routledge, 2018

Comments from the literature

Additional reading material for classroom discussion will be provided during the semester.

Teaching methods and learning activities

TP classes: exposition of theories and concepts of International Relations; discussion of global themes (using book chapters, scientific articles and audiovisual material); clearing the students' doubts; and addressing other relevant issues.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	121,00
Frequência das aulas	41,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

-

Calculation formula of final grade

Final exam: 100%