IR462      Half Unit
Introduction to International Political Theory

This information is for the 2014/15 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Kirsten Ainley CLM 7.07

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in China in Comparative Perspective, MSc in Global Politics, MSc in Global Politics, MSc in Global Politics (Global Civil Society), MSc in Human Rights, MSc in International Relations, MSc in International Relations (LSE and Sciences Po), MSc in International Relations (Research), MSc in International Relations Theory, MSc in Political Theory and MSc in Theory and History of International Relations. This course is not available as an outside option.

All students are required to obtain permission from the Teacher Responsible by completing the Student Statement box on the online application form linked to course selection on LSE for You. Admission is not guaranteed.

Course content

The background to International Political Theory; the moral standing of the state; international human rights; critiques of human rights and universal values; the ethics of war and violence; international humanitarianism; international law and international politics; global social justice. Watch a short introductory video on this course: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/internationalRelations/video/IR462-IPT-video.aspx

Teaching

18 hours of seminars in the MT. 4 hours of seminars in the ST.

Formative coursework

1 x 800 word book report 1 x 2,000 word essay

Indicative reading

Appiah, K.A. Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers (Allen Lane, 2006); Armstrong, D. et al International Law and International Relations (Cambridge UP, 2007); Brown C. Sovereignty, Rights and Justice (Polity, 2002); Beitz C.R. Political Theory and International Relations (Princeton UP, 1979/2000); International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty The Responsibility to Protect (Ottawa, 2001); Hutchings, K. Global Ethics: an introduction (Polity 2010); Jackson, R. The Global Covenant (Oxford UP 2003); Rawls J. The Law of Peoples (Harvard University Press, 1999); Walzer M. Just and Unjust Wars (Basic Books, 3rd ed 2000).

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.

Student performance results

(2010/11 - 2012/13 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 21.4
Merit 45.2
Pass 31
Fail 2.4

Teachers' comment

The principal aim of this course is to confront key ethical issues in international relations by engaging with and applying difficult and demanding material at the cutting edge of contemporary international political theory. Students will be expected to read widely for seminars and participate in discussions, therefore a strong grasp of academic English is necessary. The objectives of the course are to facilitate students 1) in a critical engagement with a wide range of literature in contemporary international political theory, broadly defined; and 2) in the display of this engagement via the development of a succinct writing style and the ability to present complex arguments orally.

Key facts

Department: International Relations

Total students 2013/14: 24

Average class size 2013/14: 13

Controlled access 2013/14: No

Lecture capture used 2013/14: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Specialist skills

Course survey results

(2010/11 - 2012/13 combined)

1 = "best" score, 5 = "worst" score

The scores below are average responses.

Response rate: 98.6%

Question

Average
response

Reading list (Q2.1)

1.4

Materials (Q2.3)

1.4

Course satisfied (Q2.4)

1.5

Lectures (Q2.5)

1.6

Integration (Q2.6)

1.9

Contact (Q2.7)

1.7

Feedback (Q2.8)

1.7

Recommend (Q2.9)

Yes

86.2%

Maybe

13.8%

No

0%