POL6016 Theories of International RelationsBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs PSYCHOLOGYGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational QualificationsBologna Commission
PSYCHOLOGY
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
POL6016 Theories of International Relations Fall 3 0 3 12
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Assoc. Prof. İSMAİL BURAK KÜNTAY
Recommended Optional Program Components: none
Course Objectives: The main aim, is not to memorize dates but to gain an insight into the complex web of current theoretical trends in IR. Students will be required to adopt a particular theoretical position which (s)he will consequently defend both theoretically and in application.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
will be able to distinguish between the basic theoretical approaches and apply this knowledge to current issues of international politics. They will manage to describe the fundamental social scientific debates in international relations and interpret their relevance for international relations research.

Course Content

The course deals with key theoretical perspectives on international relations and it makes students familiar with the seminal theoretical works in the discipline. Having passed the course, students will be able to analyse international relations from many different theoretical angles and will also be aware of these theories’ differences and common traits.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Introduction
2) Overview
3) Realism Vs. Idealism (Liberalism)
4) On the Role and Nature of Power in Social Life –What is power?
5) Human Nature
6) Human Nature - continued
7) Power and Human Nature
8) Review of the Course
9) Two Models of Social Science
10) Two Models of International Theory
11) Waltzian Neo-realism
12) Neo-liberal Challenge
13) The Third Great Debate: Rationalism vs. Constructivism
14) The Rise of Constructivist Theory of International Relations

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: BURCHILL, S. (ed.). Theories of international relations. Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005. 1-4039-4866-6
WEBER, C. International relations theory : a critical introduction. London: Routledge, 2005. 0-415-34208-2
DOUGHERTY, J. E. -- PFALTZGRAFF, R. L. Contending theories of international relations : a comprehensive survey. New York: Longman, 2001. 0-321-04831-8
WALTZ, K. Theory of International Politics. Random House, 1979. 0394349423
JACKSON, R. H. -- SRENSEN, G. Introduction to international relations : theories and approaches. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007. 978-0-19-928543-3
References:

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 10 % 10
Presentation 1 % 10
Project 1 % 20
Final 1 % 60
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 20
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 80
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Workload
Course Hours 14 42
Application 14 56
Study Hours Out of Class 14 77
Total Workload 175

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) To develop an interest in the human mind and behavior, to be able to evaluate theories using empirical findings, to understand that psychology is an evidence-based science by acquiring critical thinking skills.
2) To gain a biopsychosocial perspective on human behavior. To understand the biological, psychological, and social variables of behavior.
3) To learn the basic concepts in psychology and the theoretical and practical approaches used to study them (e.g. basic observation and interview techniques).
4) To acquire the methods and skills to access and write information using English as the dominant language in the psychological literature, to recognize and apply scientific research and data evaluation techniques (e.g. correlational, experimental, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, case studies).
5) To be against discrimination and prejudice; to have ethical concerns while working in research and practice areas.
6) To recognize the main subfields of psychology (experimental, developmental, clinical, cognitive, social and industrial/organizational psychology) and their related fields of study and specialization.
7) To acquire the skills necessary for analyzing, interpreting and presenting the findings as well as problem posing, hypothesizing and data collection, which are the basic elements of scientific studies.
8) To gain the basic knowledge and skills necessary for psychological assessment and evaluation.
9) To acquire basic knowledge of other disciplines (medicine, genetics, biology, economics, sociology, political science, communication, philosophy, anthropology, literature, law, art, etc.) that will contribute to psychology and to use this knowledge in the understanding and interpretation of psychological processes.
10) To develop sensitivity towards social problems; to take responsibility in activities that benefit the field of psychology and society.
11) To have problem solving skills and to be able to develop the necessary analytical approaches for this.
12) To be able to criticize any subject in business and academic life and to be able to express their thoughts.