Basic Information

Course Code:

POLS 351

Course Name:

Theories of International Relations

Language of Instruction:

English

Course Type:

Class

Course Level:

Bachelor

ECTS:

5.00

Instructor:

Dr. Öğr. Üyesi DİCLE KORKMAZ

Course Objectives

This course aims to provide an in-depth exploration of IR theories with the help of empirical cases. Its purpose is to contribute to students’ learning process and increase their discussion, analytical and critical thinking and academic writing skills. At the end of the course, students are expected to learn key concepts in each IR theory, acquire in depth knowledge on different IR theories, compare and contrast IR theories, assess IR theories in a critical manner and acquire the ability to apply IR theories to real world affairs.

Course Content

This course offers a comprehensive understanding of International Relations (IR) theories and examination of empirical cases utilizing the theories. The course starts with the main question on why theories are required and then continues with elaboration on different theoretical perspectives including Realism, Liberalism, Marxism, the English School, Critical Theory, Constructivism, and Post-structuralism. As examination of empirical cases by using these theories is key to understand and/or engage with world affairs, the course also includes discussion on case-studies.

Prerequisites / Corequisites

Not available.

Course Books / Materials / Recommended Resources

Steans, J. et. al. (2010). An Introduction to International Relations Theory Perspectives and Themes. Third edition. Pearson Dunne, T. et. al. (2013). International Relations Theories Discipline and Diversity (3rd Ed.) Oxford University Press.

Learning Outcomes

Code	Description
LO1	Learning basic concepts related with IR theories
LO2	Having comprehensive and deep knowledge on IR theories, learning the historical process in terms of develeopment of IR theories, learning development
LO3	Acquiring the knowledge and skill to compare IR theories and discuss them in a critical manner
LO4	Acquiring the skill to apply IR theories to world affairs.

Weekly Course Content

Week	Content
1	Introduction of the Course
2	Why do we learn IR theories?
3	Realism
4	Realism and Liberalism
5	Liberalism
6	The English School
7	Revision
8	Mid Term exam
9	Marxism
10	Critical Theory
11	Critical Theory
12	Constructivism
13	Post-structuralism
14	Post-colonialism
15	Revision

Workload Calculation

Activity	Count	Duration (Hours)	Total
Attendance	1	42.00	42.00
Post-Class Individual Study	1	28.00	28.00
Midterm Exam/Preparation	1	24.00	24.00
Final Exam/Preparation	1	40.00	40.00
Quiz Preparation	1	16.00	16.00
Total Workload (Hours)			150
ECTS Credit (Workload / 25)			5

Assessment

#	Assessment Type	Contribution (%)
1	Midterm Exam	%7
2	Homework	%15
3	Quiz	%30
4	Quiz	%8
5	Final Exam	%40
TOTAL		%100

PO - LO Matrix

PO \ LO	LO1	LO2	LO3	LO4
PO-1
PO-2
PO-3
PO-4
PO-5
PO-6
PO-7

1

Low Contribution

2

Medium Contribution

3

High Contribution

Teaching and Learning Methods

#	Method Name	Description	Tools
1	Lecture (expository teaching), interactive discussion	Listening and taking notes.	Standard classroom technologies, multimedia tools (projector, computer, digital presentations)
2	Controversial Course	Listening and comprehension, critical thinking	Standard classroom technologies, multimedia tools, projector, computer, overhead projector
3	Brainstorming	The purpose of forming pairs is to ensure that they are open to innovation during the idea generation phase	Standard classroom technologies, multimedia tools, projector, computer, overhead projector
4	Small Group Discussion	Listening and comprehension, processing observations/situations, critical thinking, question development	Standard classroom technologies, multimedia tools, projector, computer, overhead projector
5	Demonstration	Listening and comprehension, processing observations/situations	Presentation content

Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence

There is zero-tolerance to any form of academic dishonesty. Any form of academic dishonesty (for ex. plagiarism, using AI in an unethical way, cheating during exams, re-submitting your own/someone else’s work for the course etc.) are unacceptable and will have serious results. Plagiarism refers to presentation of another person’s ideas or direct/paraphrased quotations in your own work without citations. Please consult the instructor when you have hesitations.

Sustainable Development Goals