MVZb2013 Concepts in International Relations

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2023
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Johan Bartoš (lecturer)
prof. PhDr. Zdeněk Kříž, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Kateřina Fridrichová, Ph.D. (assistant)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Kateřina Fridrichová, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Wed 16:00–17:40 U41
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 25 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 8/25, only registered: 0/25
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 8 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
This course seeks to broaden understanding of international relations theory and ability to apply theoretical knowledge on real world situations. Structured around the central concepts of IR students will read and discuss wide range of views on topics like anarchy, state and war.
Learning outcomes
After the course students:
- will have deepened their knowledge of basic theoretical concepts of the field
- will have practiced reading theoretical scholarly texts
- will have integrated practical and theoretical knowledge
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction: What are concepts an why we need them for our everyday understanding of the real world? What are the most important concepts in international relations and why? Are concepts like anarchy, state or war real existing entities or are they just useful fictions that enable us to understand the world around us more easily?
  • 2. Science
  • 3. Theory
  • 4. Levels of analysis
  • 5. Anarchy
  • 6. State
  • 7. Sovereignty
  • 8. First simulation
  • 9. Territoriality
  • 10. Power
  • 11. Balance of power
  • 12. War
  • 13. Second simulation
Teaching methods
Seminar discussions, position papers, simulations of almost real world events which will enable students to use their theoretical knowledge in practical setting
Assessment methods
Position papers: students will write at least 5 position papers (600 words long) based on the assigned readings, students will summarize the content of the texts in the first part and present their own position on the discussed topic and/or assigned questions in the second half. Student can choose for which classes they will write position papers.
Each position paper will be awarded with 0-5 points. Therefore, students will earn up to 25 points in total.
In class activity: students will be awarded points based on their presence (0,5 point) and activity (0-1 point) in 10 seminars. Up to 15 points can be earned in total.
Students need at least 60% of maximum points to successfully complete the course.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2020, Autumn 2021, Autumn 2022.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2023/MVZb2013