MVZb1005 Theories of International Relations

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2020
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 10 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Kateřina Fridrichová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
PhDr. Michal Kořan, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. et Mgr. Vladimír Bízik (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Michal Kořan, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Tue 18:00–19:40 P31 Posluchárna A. I. Bláhy
  • Timetable of Seminar Groups:
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Prerequisites (in Czech)
! MVZ105 Theories of International Rel. && ! NOW ( MVZ105 Theories of International Rel. ) && ! SEMESTR ( 1 ) && ! SEMESTR ( 2 )
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 23 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
This course aims at introducing main theories developed during the existence of the discipline of IR. It starts with basic survey of the issues and theories, followed by detailed study of those theories that are most important for the discipline. It goes through liberalism, realism, neoliberalism, neorealism, critical theories and marxist variants (world system theory, feminism), and social constructivism. Students are expected to do assigned readings (and encouraged to read the recommended texts); they are also expected to know content presented during lectures. The lituraure consists of chapters from textbooks and primary texts. Good knowledge of English is required for passing this course.
Learning outcomes
Students will get a good grasp of classical theories of international relations in a historical perspective, supplemented by contemporary issues and debates. Students will strenghten their soft-skills - team work, public speaking and critical thinking.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to the course, requirements, content. 2. Introduction to theories of IR. 3. Classical realism 4. Classical liberalism 5. I. seminar 6. Neoliberalism 7. Nerealism 8. Critical theories, marxims and neomarxism 9. II. seminar 10. Positivism vs. Post-positivism debate 11. Social constructivism 12. Contemporary debates and trends in thinking about international politics 13. III. seminar
Literature
  • PŠEJA, Pavel. Přehled teorií mezinárodních vztahů (Theories of International Relations: An Overview). Brno: MPU MU, 2005, 160 pp. Studie 36. ISBN 80-210-3837-3. info
  • The globalization of world politics : an introduction to international relations. Edited by John Baylis - Steve Smith - Patricia Owens. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005, xxxvii, 81. ISBN 0199271186. URL info
  • DRULÁK, Petr. Teorie mezinárodních vztahů. Vyd. 1. Praha: Portál, 2003, 220 s. ISBN 80-7178-725-6. info
  • FUKUYAMA, Francis. Konec dějin a poslední člověk. Translated by Michal Prokop. Vyd. 1. Praha: Rybka Publishers, 2002, 379 s. ISBN 80-86182-27-4. info
  • HUNTINGTON, Samuel P. Střet civilizací :boj kultur a proměna světového řádu. Vyd. 1. Praha: Rybka Publishers, 2001, v, 447 s. ISBN 80-86182-49-5. info
  • BURCHILL, Scott. Theories of international relations. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2001, viii, 322. ISBN 033391418X. info
  • HOLLIS, Martin and Steve SMITH. Mezinárodní vztahy: výklad a porozumění : Explaining and understanding international relations (Orig.) : Teorie mezinárodních vztahů : interpretace a porozumění (Variant.). 1. vyd. Brno: Centrum pro studium demokracie a kultury, 2000, 248 s. ISBN 80-85959-64-X. info
Teaching methods
Due to the character of the contets of the course the class takes place mainly in the form of lectures. However, this is supplemented by three seminars with compulsory attendance. Students present their group work and discuss it. Readings serve to broaden and deepen the spectrum of knowledge students acquire during lectures.
Assessment methods
Requirements of the Course: 1. To qualify for the final written examination students have to acquire a minimum of 30 points out of two tests (which are per 25 points each) during the semester. 2. The final written examination. To successfully conclude the course, students have to acquire at least 24 points out of 40.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2020, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2020/MVZb1005