Approaches in International Relations

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
POLI 2002
Course ID icon
Course ID
201081
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
2
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

The course introduces major theories and approaches in International Relations, including (neo)realism, (neo)liberalism, the English School, Marxism, constructivism, normative and critical theories, and postcolonial, feminist and post-structuralist approaches. It considers a range of criteria for differentiating between the theories and approaches and helps explain the proliferation of IR theories over the past decades and why some appear to ‘talk past’ each other rather than engage in intellectual exchanges or cross-fertilisation. It also equips students with the necessary skills to think conceptually when making meaningful comparisons between various theoretical perspectives of International Relations, identifying their strengths and weaknesses and applying them to real-world case studies. The course provides students with a rigorous analytical framework for analysing critical developments in global politics. It prepares them to navigate practical and moral dilemmas facing foreign policymakers worldwide and encourages them to reflect on their values and biases when examining global politics.

  • Introduction To Ir Theorizing
  • Realism And Neorealism
  • (Neo)Liberalisms
  • The English School And Marxism
  • Constructivism
  • Critical Theory, Poststructuralism And Feminist Theory

Course learning outcomes

  • Understand key theoretical approaches in International Relations, including their strengths and weaknesses
  • Apply IR theories and approaches to concrete case studies in global politics
  • Critique major theoretical publications in International Relations
  • Conduct independent research utilising a variety of sources
  • Produce coherent and well-substantiated arguments
  • Express ideas confidently, thoughtfully and respectfully

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A