Course Description

This course builds on the theoretical knowledge gained in the Introduction to International Relations course by applying learned theory to empirical reality through discussion of particular IR topics, cases and phenomena. This way, the course serves as a testing “laboratory” for students to see “how it’s done,” how does theory connect to reality, before they attempt to do it themselves in their own bachelors Theses.

Throughout the course, a range of diverse topics will be covered – from the end of the Cold War through globalization to terrorism, rise of international norms or new actors in international politics as well as the nature and change of world order – all addressed through at least two different theoretical perspectives to discuss specific concepts and their definitions, logic of argumentation of said approaches, and to aid in development of critical thinking.

Renown research articles, book chapters and scholarly opinions will be the proverbial bread and butter of this course as they best illustrate the application of theories to particular phenomena and showcase discussion within the discipline of International Relations over the past three decades. The goal of this course is to help students understand the “how to” logic, structure and process of getting from theoretical assumptions to real-life problem application and results, and consider how and where the discipline of IR itself is moving.

Besides supporting the theory-method “backbone” of the International Relations study programme (the string of courses in your study plan: 1. IRS 200 – Introduction to International Relations 2. IRS 288 – International Relations Research Methods 3. POS 340 – Thesis Seminar and 4. POS 345 – Thesis), this course seeks to address recently discussed topics in the field of International Relations, foreign policy, security or topics from related disciplines.

Since this course is intended as an advanced IR course – seminar format is the preferred choice with the bulk of work focused on IR topics/cases and comparison of their analysis from particular theoretical perspectives, to demonstrate to students the given theory’s logic and argumentation, work with data, operationalization of theoretical concepts etc.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• understand the structure of research papers and case studies: be able to identify article organization such as research question, literature review, problem justification, and their function;

• identify theoretical perspective, its basic assumptions and concepts used, follow logic of argumentation, identify their “translation” (operationalization) into real life data if applicable, conclusions and limitations;

• develop and refine critical thinking skills: be able to identify principles (basic theory assumptions and defined concepts) and comparatively weigh the strengths and drawbacks of given theoretical perspective in their application to topics/cases

• form one’s opinion on discussed topic backed by theoretical perspective

*Course content subject to change