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 realist 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 eight ex-cathedra class sessions while encouraging the active participation of the students;
- then, a supervision is provided in 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)
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
The presence of the students is important because a lot of case studies will be analyzed in order to illustrate the theories.
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.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam
Written work / report
Additional information:
Written exam in January (75 %) and written work in December (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.
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 theories, a lot of examples are mentioned 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: professor Liridon Lika, Center for International Relations Studies (CEFIR), B31, level 0, Office R.71; Tel. : 043 66 30 46, Liridon.Lika@uliege.be
- Assistants:
Vincent Bricart, CEFIR, B31, level 0, Office R.73; Tel. : 043 66 42 59, v.bricart@uliege.be
Camille Schmitz, CEFIR, B31, level 0, Office R.73; Tel. : 043 66 42 59, camille.schmitz@uliege.be