Computer and internet access To enable use of Blackboard and all electronic resources,
Course texts and course learning pack.

The main focus will be on self instruction, within a tightly structured framework and relying largely(but not exclusively) on materials supplied. Week by week you will work through self-instructional course material, (delivered on Blackboard) which provides the framework and focus for reading key texts and papers and undertaking specific set tasks. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in your learning group and your tutor. The module will run over 16 weeks including 4 weeks to complete assessments.

Optional introductory workshops will be provided for those students who travel to Staffordshire, at the start of each semester. These will introduce you to the learning environment blackboard and the main theories of the module for that semester. Similar material will be made available online for those unable to attend.

This module will cover the following topics:
Kenneth Waltz and neorealism as a revision of political realism. The neorealist/neoliberal debate, in relation to the agency structure problem.
International Political Economy as a sub-field; its character and perspectives. The neo-Gramscian/Robert Cox view of International Political economy and IR.
World society perspectives.
The revival of normative concerns in IR, and the communitarian/cosmopolitan date.
Critical theory and post modernism in IR.
Gender and IR
Critical and alternative perspectives to security.

The first essay will require you to apply conceptual and theoretical insight to historical or contemporary material specific to the course. [Learning Outcomes 1,3]

The second essay will require you to show your overall appreciation of the concerns of the module. It will enable you to demonstrate your comprehensive understanding of the module and your flexibility in applying your knowledge to specific concerns. [Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4]

The virtual seminar presentation (1000 words) will require you to focus precisely and concisely on a narrow topic, analyse it and communicate your conclusions to the group [Learning Outcomes 2,3]

You are required to participate in and contribute substantially to at least 5 weeks of the weekly discussions, in addition to the week in which you present your virtual seminar.[Learning outcomes 1,2,3]

A pass (grade point 7-9) is awarded only when all of the assessment is complete and the work meets the learning objectives of the module.
A merit performance (grade point 10-12) in the module will be indicated by an exemplary performance in meeting the learning objectives of the module.
A distinction performance (grade point 13 and above) will be indicated by excellence in meeting the learning objectives of the module.

S.Smith, K.Booth, M.Zalewski (eds) International Theory: Positivism and Beyond, 1996.
Tim Dunne (Editor), Milya Kurki (Editor), Steve Smith (Editor) 2007. Theories of International Relations: Discipline and Diversity. Oxford University Press
Burchill, Scott, Andrew Linklater (eds.), Theories of International Relations (2nd edn. 2001)
Carlsnaes, Walter, Thomas Risse, and Beth Simmons, Handbook of International Relation s(2002)