IREb1100 Introduction to IR and EP

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2024
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Martin Chovančík, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Vladimir Vučković, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Lenka Martínková (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Kateřina Fridrichová, 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 14:00–15:40 P24a
Prerequisites
! IRE101 Introduction to IR and EP && !NOW( IRE101 Introduction to IR and EP ) && ! IREb1001 Introduction to IR and EP && !NOW( IREb1001 Introduction to IR and EP )
This course offers students a comprehensive historical and theoretical background in International Relations and European Studies, aiming to provide them with the necessary knowledge to understand significant events, processes, and actors in international and European politics. Divided into International Relations and European Studies, the course initially covers fundamental concepts and issues in International Relations, analyzing the behavior of participants in the modern international system. It then transitions to European Integration within the European Union, discussing key milestones, the EU decision-making process, and essential policies, while also highlighting recent developments that have influenced the Union in recent years.
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
Course objectives
After the exam, students will have achieved a solid understanding of historical and theoretical knowledge in International Relations and European Studies, enabling them to analyze foreign policy concepts, actors, power dynamics, and the EU's establishment and functioning, as well as critically evaluate recent changes and enlargement initiatives within the EU.
Learning outcomes
After completing the exam, students will achieve the following learning outcomes:
• Develop a solid understanding of the historical and theoretical knowledge of IR and ES
• Understand the concept of foreign policy and analyze actors, including both state and non-state entities, within their respective contexts and objectives
• Enhance their ability to articulate opinions on power dynamics, hegemony, cooperation, regimes, and the use of war as a tool in IR
• Explain the rationale behind the establishment of the EU and other European regional organizations, while demonstrating knowledge of EU institutions, decision-making processes, and policies
• Critically evaluate the factors driving recent changes in EU development, including exploring ongoing enlargement initiatives
Syllabus
  • Class Schedule:
  • Week 1 - Introduction
  • Week 2 - States, non-state and global governance in IR
  • Week 3 - Analyzing Foreign Policy – actors, context, goals
  • Week 4 - IR – historical and theoretical perspectives
  • Week 5 - Power, Hegemony, cooperation and regimes in IR
  • Week 6 - Exploring realities of war
  • Week 7 - Mid-term exam (2-6)
  • Week 8 - Actors to the ES
  • Week 9 - Key milestones to the European integration process
  • Week 10 - How the EU's Institutions Make Decisions
  • Week 11 - Exploring EU policies
  • Week 12 - Recent challenges to the EU development
  • Week 13 - Final Exam (2-6; 8-12)
Literature
    required literature
  • Goldstein, J. & Pevehouse, J., 2014. International Relations. Pearson.
  • Baylis, John and Steve Smith. 2011. The Globalization of World Politics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Buonanno, L. & Nugent, N., 2021. Policies and policy processes of the European Union. Second edition., London: Macmillan.
  • Jackson, R. & Sørensen, G., 2013. Introduction to international relations: theories and approaches 5th ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • McCormick, J. European Union Politics. 2020. 6rd ed. London: Red Globe Press London.
Teaching methods
1) Students are requested to attend the lectures and those who have attended 60% of lectures are qualified to take a final exam.
2) Students should do the readings before coming to class.
3) Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions.
4) Students who have missed class for any reason are responsible for finding out what information has been missed and are encouraged to talk to the instructor and/or classmates.
5) Students expected to take a test and mid-term test during the course if they want to pass the pass the course successfully.
6) Students are expected to take one written test – the final exam during the period of the course. The final exam needs to be taken by all students during the last session, and if one chooses not to take the exam, he/she will fail the course regardless of the number of credits earned from group presentations or active participation in lectures.
7) All students must adhere to the MU Code of Ethics.
Assessment methods
The final grade will be calculated as a result of a compulsory assessment of three parts: test (20%), midterm exam (30%) and, final exam (50%). The student has to reach at least 61% of the highest defined evaluation if he/she wants to complete the course successfully.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
Information on course enrolment limitations: This course is not available for exchange students.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2024/IREb1100