Computer and Internet access to enable use of Blackboard and all electronic resources.
Course texts and course material pack.

The first essay (2000 words) 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 (3000 words) 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 1-4]

The Critical Review (1000 words) will require you to focus precisely and concisely on an article or chapter, analyse it and communicate your conclusions to the group. [Learning Outcomes 1-3]

You are required to participate in and contribute substantially to at least 3 weeks of the weekly discussions. [Learning outcomes 1-3]

This module will cover the following topics:
Kenneth Waltz, John Mearsheimer and neorealism as a revision of political realism.
The neorealist/neoliberal debate, in relation to the agency structure problem.
The neo-Gramscian/Robert Cox view of International Political economy and IR.
The revival of normative concerns in IR, and the communitarian/cosmopolitan date.
Critical theory and IR
Post-structuralism in IR.
Gender and IR
Green IR theory
Postcolonialism

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.

Burchill S, Linklater A (eds.): Theories of International Relations, fifth edition, Palgrave Macmillan [2013]
Dunne T, Kurki M, Smith S (eds.): Theories of International Relations: Discipline and Diversity, Third edition, Oxford University Press[2013]
Griffiths M (ed.): International Relations Theory for the Twentieth Century, Routledge [2007]