IR4A1 Half Unit
International Relations: Core Theories and Debates
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Rohan Mukherjee
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in International Relations, MSc in International Relations (LSE and Sciences Po) and MSc in International Relations (Research). This course is not available as an outside option to students on other programmes.
Course content
This course is a graduate-level introduction to the study of international relations. It has 4 objectives: (i) to enquire into the nature of international politics and the role of theory in advancing our understanding of it; (ii) to introduce students to the main contributions and debates in theories of international politics; (iii) to provide students with a range of concepts, ideas, and perspectives to enable them to widen and deepen their understanding and analysis of international politics; and (iv) to encourage critical, independent thought. At the end of the course students should be able to think, talk and write in an informed, precise and analytical manner about developments within the field of International Relations, past and present.
Teaching
15 hours of seminars and 10 hours of lectures in the Autumn Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
Formative assessment
Students will write one 2,000-word essay for submission to their seminar teachers in Week 6 of the AT.
The formative essay helps students develop a deep understanding of key readings and refine their essay-writing skills by engaging critically with relevant topics, practicing argument construction, and receiving feedback to improve their summative assessment performance.
Indicative reading
- Jennifer Mitzen. Power in Concert: The Nineteenth-Century Origins of Global Governance. 2013
- Martha Finnemore and Kathryn Sikkink. International Norm Dynamics and Political Change. 1998
- Ayse Zarakol. Before the West: The Rise and Fall of Eastern World Orders. 2022
- James D. Fearon. Rationalist Explanations for War. 1995
- Robert Axelrod and Robert O. Keohane. Achieving Cooperation under Anarchy: Strategies and Institutions. 1985
- John J. Mearsheimer. The False Promise of International Institutions. 1994
- Joshua Shifrinson. Rising Titans, Falling Giants: How Great Powers Exploit Power Shifts. 2018
- Helen V. Milner. Interests, Institutions, and Information: Domestic Politics and International Relations. 1998
Assessment
Essay (100%, 3500 words)
This assessment will be submitted in the January assessment period.
Key facts
Department: International Relations
Course Study Period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 124
Average class size 2024/25: 12
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Leadership
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Specialist skills