POL6016 Theories of International RelationsBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs NEW MEDIAGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational QualificationsBologna Commission
NEW MEDIA
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 Spring 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 be able to critically interpret and discuss the theories, the concepts, the traditions, and the developments in the history of thought which are fundamental for the field of new media, journalism and communication.
2) To be able to attain written, oral and visual knowledge about technical equipment and software used in the process of news and the content production in new media, and to be able to acquire effective abilities to use them on a professional level.
3) To be able to get information about the institutional agents and generally about the sector operating in the field of new media, journalism and communication, and to be able to critically evaluate them.
4) To be able to comprehend the reactions of the readers, the listeners, the audiences and the users to the changing roles of media environments, and to be able to provide and circulate an original contents for them and to predict future trends.
5) To be able to apprehend the basic theories, the concepts and the thoughts related to neighbouring fields of new media and journalism in a critical manner.
6) To be able to grasp global and technological changes in the field of communication, and the relations due to with their effects on the local agents.
7) To be able to develop skills on gathering necessary data by using scientific methods, analyzing and circulating them in order to produce content.
8) To be able to develop acquired knowledge, skills and competence upon social aims by being legally and ethically responsible for a lifetime, and to be able to use them in order to provide social benefit.
9) To be able to operate collaborative projects with national/international colleagues in the field of new media, journalism and communication.
10) To be able to improve skills on creating works in various formats and which are qualified to be published on the prestigious national and international channels.