GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the study of International Relations (IR). It mainly examines the major theories of IR and IPE, including as realism, liberalism, constructivism, economic liberalism, mercantilism, and (neo)marxism (dependency theory).

The course objectives are: (1) To enable students to develop a broad understanding of the concepts and theories of IR; (2) To enable students to utilize the concepts and theories of IR for analyzing enduring questions in IR, such as war and peace, conflict, the rise of non-state actors, the role of international laws and organizations, economic interdependence and globalization, and development and underdevelopment in the Third World; (3) To enable students to acquire the ability to form their own answers to enduring and contemporary questions in international relations.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

In terms of the topics covered, this course provides the foundation for all other IR related courses, such as World Politics, International Security, the International Relations of the Asia-Pacific, and Seminar (International Relations B). This course will focus on major concepts and theories of IR, such as realism, liberalism, constructivism, economic liberalism, economic nationalism, and dependency theory. In order to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the dynamic mechanisms of international politics, it is necessary to master the key concepts and theories of IR. This is because IR theories, which are built on the accumulated knowledge of scholars over many years, offer us a tool to simplify complicated international phenomena.
Comments for assignments are given during class and office hours.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction:
What is International Relations?

Course outline

2[対面/face to face]：Key Concepts of IR

Presenting major concepts of IR

3[対面/face to face]：Realism I

Examining the realist tradition in IR (Classical realism)

4[対面/face to face]：Realism II + (Case study: International relations of East Asia)

Examining the realist tradition in IR (Neo-realism) and conducting a case study

5[対面/face to face]：Liberalism I

Examining the liberal tradition in IR (Utopian liberalism, Sociological liberalism) and conducting a case study

6[対面/face to face]：Liberalism II +(Case study: International relations of Europe)

Examining the liberal tradition in IR (Interdependence liberalism, Institutionalism, Democratic peace theory)

7[対面/face to face]：Review and Mid-term essay preparation

Review of major topics covered by week 2-6

8[対面/face to face]：Constructivism + (Case study)

Providing an overview of constructivist approaches to IR and conducting a case study.

9[対面/face to face]：IR analysis method (Advanced case study)

Learning how to use IR theories for analyzing major IR issues.

10[対面/face to face]：Theories of International Political Economy (IPE) I

Examining theories of international political economy (Mercantilism, Economic liberalism)

11[対面/face to face]：Theories of International Political Economy (IPE) II

Examining theories of international political economy (Neo-Marxism, Dependency theory, World System theory)

12[対面/face to face]：Contemporary issue I(Development and Underdevelopment)

Studying a contemporary issue in IPE (Development and Underdevelopment in the Third World).

13[対面/face to face]：Contemporary issue II (Economic globalization)

Studying a contemporary issue in IPE (Economic globalization).

14[対面/face to face]：Review and Final-term essay preparation

Review of major topics covered by week 10-12

Students are required to have pored over the required readings before attending the lectures. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

Jackson, Robert and Sorensen, George. Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches, Seventh edition. Oxford University Press, 2019.

Grieco, Joseph , Ikenberry, John G and Mastanduno, Michael. Introduction to International Relations: Perspectives, Connections, and Enduring Questions. Second edition, Red Globe Press, 2018,

Dunne, Tim, Kurki, Milja and Smith, Steve. (eds), International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity. Fourth edition, Oxford University Press, 2016.

Nau, Henry R. Perspectives on International Relations: Power, Institutions, Ideas. Sixth edition. CQ Press, 2018.

Baylis, John, Smith, Steve and Owens, Patricia. (eds), The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations, Eighth edition. Oxford University Press, 2020.

Martin, Griffiths, Callaghan, Terry O’and Roach, Steven C. International Relations: The Key Concepts, Third edition. Routledge, 2013.

Contribution to class discussion, (10%), Mid-term essay (45%), Final essay (45%)

Handouts to be provided in a timely manner.

Some course materials will be delivered via Hoppii.

None

ESOP students wishing to take part in this course should have adequate English skills to complete the course work and assignments.