Introduction to International Relations (L2008)
Introduction to International Relations
Module L2008
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 4
Module Outline
What is international relations? In this module you will be introduced to the study of International Relations (IR), exploring some of the core questions that define it as a discipline, as well as its most pressing political questions. In particular, we examine the contested historical and conceptual terrain of international relations. While the discipline has traditionally traced a path from idealism via realism towards a more pluralist methodological position, in this module, you will also engage alternative ways of historicising and conceptualising. Understanding these debates, the circumstances that have given rise to them, and the ideas that they have generated will give students a good orientation in the disciplinary terrain of IR that will help to contextualize the ideas they will encounter in the international theory modules in Years 1 & 2.
Module learning outcomes
Understand the reasons for IR as a separate social science.
Develop an initial understanding of the main IR paradigms and subfields.
Understand the relationship between theory and practice in IR.
Produced, in an academically acceptable manner, an essay in which they have demonstrated the ability to write about theoretical issues in International Relations.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 50.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Essay | T1 Week 8 | 100.00% |
| Essay (1000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 50.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
| Autumn Semester | Class | 1 hour | 11010010000 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
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