Duration
30h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Substitute(s)
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The objective of this course is to familiarize students with the major paradigms of international relations. The course will focus on the dominant (orthodox) theories of international relations which are the realistic and neorealist approaches as well as on the paradigm of liberal interdependence, constructivism, without forgetting to discuss the critical conceptual approaches (heterodox). The sub-discipline of International Relations which is international political economy, and the theories emphasizing the importance of the weight of internal state factors on international politics will also be analyzed. Furthermore, the course tackles a large amount of key concepts in international relations (balance of power, soft power, smart power, security dilemma, global governance, democratic peace, hegemony,...). Finally, the course aims at analyzing major theories of international relations after the Cold War. Its objective is to introduce students to a conceptual approach to international relations in order to better understand both the current theoretical debate and the reality of international relations.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
To provide students a sound knowledge of the conceptual tools available for a better critical understanding of international relations as well as the foreign policy of states.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Students need to have followed the course about "Introduction to international relations" (SPOL1203-1) or a similar course.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
This course includes two learning methods:
- it will be a question of giving about half a dozen ex-cathedra class sessions while encouraging the active participation of the students;
- then, a supervision is provided in a smaller groups in order to discuss the written work to be carried out by the students. This supervision will also allow to come back to the most complex parts of the course.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
The presence of the students is important because a lot of case studies will be analyzed in order to illustrate the theory.
In case of return of distance-learning, the eCampus platform will be mobilized via the Collaborate tool in order to maintain the courses via the platform's video-conference system.
Organisational adjustments related to the current health context
In case of return of the pandemic and the distance-learning, the eCampus platform will be mobilized via the Blackboard Collaborate tool in order to maintain the courses via the platform's video-conference system.
Recommended or required readings
The course is based on notes prepared by the responsible of the course.
Obligatory reading for the exam:
TELO, Mario, Relations internationales. Une perspective européenne, Bruxelles, éditions de l'Université de Bruxelles, 2013.
Required reading chapters for the exam: from the introduction to chapter IX (156 pages).
The reading is available at "Point de Vue" (campus: Sart-Tilman) and at the library Graulich (Building B31).
Recommended reading:
BATTISTELLA, Dario, Théories des relations internationales, Paris, Presses de Sciences Po, 5th edition, 2015.
Assessment methods and criteria
Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.
Any session :
- In-person
written exam ( open-ended questions )
- Remote
oral exam
- If evaluation in "hybrid"
preferred in-person
Additional information:
Written exam in August (75 %) and written work in August (25 %).
Regarding the written work:
- Length: 5 pages maximum;
- Form: Times New Roman, size 12, 1.5 line spacing, justified text;
- Content: to apply a theory or a theoretical concept to a case study.
ATTENTION:
If the health situation does not allow to organize a written exam in one room for all the students, an oral exam (75 %) will be organized instead and will take place online on eCampus/Blackboard Collaborate.
Regarding the written work (25 %):
- Length: 5 pages maximum;
- Form: Times New Roman, size 12, 1.5 line spacing, justified text;
- Content: to apply a theory or a theoretical concept to a case study.
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
To succeed the exam it is highly recommended to attend the course. The ex-cathedra classes and the supervision in smaller groups will help the students in the reflection and the realization of their written work. In order to illustrate the theory, a lot of examples are mentioning during the course.
So it is highly recommended to follow international news through the media (newspapers, radio, television, internet ...).
The slides of the courses are put online (MyULiège) as and when classes are held.
Contacts
- Holder: Dr. Liridon Lika, Center for International Relations Studies (CEFIR), B31, Level 0, Office R.81 ; Tel. : 043 66 35 53, E-mail: Liridon.Lika@uliege.be