International Relations (Stosunki międzynarodowe) 2102-ANG-M-W1INRE
This course is designed as an introduction into advanced study of International Relations. The purpose of this course is to provide a theoretical and historical basis for understanding and analyzing contemporary international relations. The course is created to acquaint students with institutions and issues surrounding the international system from the political, economic and social perspectives.
The program consists of four main modules divided into specific topics. In the first module students will gain general knowledge of international environment, its main actors and interactions as well as the basic theoretical approaches in IR. The course begins with introduction to the basic definitions and an overview of the most important actors in IR. Then the students will proceed to an historical overview of the evolution of the world system.
The second module will concentrate on political and social aspects of international relations with the special focus on foreign policy issues (decision making process and role of particular actors in the policy formulation and accomplishment), international security (the causes and effects of international conflict, difficulties faced by countries in establishing international cooperation, the role of military force and terrorism), human rights (the role of law and international system, human rights and war crimes) and international organizations (the United Nations and other international organization in international system).
The third module will deal with international political economy issues such as international trade (trade regimes and the problem of economic globalization), global finance and business (the currency system, state financial position and the role of multinational corporations in international system), the role of the World Trade Organization and other economic institutions, the problem of international integration (with a special emphasize on European Union and the process of European Integration), environment (managing the environment, natural resources, population), poverty (the North – South gap and its consequences).
The course will end with two specific sessions: one concentrated on Poland and its international performance and the second one dedicated to conclusions and deliberations on contemporary war order.
The course is dynamic, meaning that it is event driven as well as topic driven. Students should stay abreast of world affairs and be prepared to discuss current events in class. Students also are expected to integrate the required readings with class discussions, internet assignments, current events and other presentations.
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
After finishing this course students should:
Knowledge:
K_W04 - have an extended knowledge of historical, economic, social and cultural determinants of the political life
K_W06 - have a thorough knowledge of rules of functioning of the political systems in comparative perspective as well as other social and political organizations and institution
K_W07 - have an extended knowledge of democracy, civil society and political culture in Polish, European and world dimensions – from historical and contemporary perspectives
Skills:
K_U01-have the skill in critical observation and interpretation of social and political phenomena of different kind as well as in recognition of their relationship
K_U02 - have the skill to understand reasons and course of phenomena concerning the political sphere and to predict them by him/herself; be able to do research and explain by him/herself the role of social, economic and cultural structures in contemporary state and world
Social competences:
K_K03 – be able to work in a group, taking different roles
K_K04 – be able to define in an appropriate manner priorities that serve carrying out tasks given by him/herself or someone else
K_K07 – be able to critically complete knowledge and skills, enlarged by the interdisciplinary dimension
Assessment criteria
The students will be evaluated based on their whole semester performance. The final grade will be based on combination of factors that include (however students can not complete the course without passing the final exam):
1. Class participation. 5%. This includes regular attendance as well as meaningful participation in class discussions. No more than two unexcused absences will be allowed in this course.
2. Gathering information on current international issues and preparation of short notes with comments 5%
3. Introductory presentation related to the session’s topic 10% (individual or group - depending on the number of students attending this course)
4. Mid-term exam 10%
5. Final exam 20% (the exam will require to demonstrate knowledge of all material covered during the course – readings, lectures and class discussions; the structure of exam will involve a combination of multiple choice questions and essay questions)
Practical placement
none
Bibliography
1. Goldstein, Joshua S., Pevehouse, Jon C., International Relations, 9th edition, Longman, 2010 – basic lecture
2. Regular reading of major international newspapers (e.g., New York Times, The Times, International Herald Tribune, BBC) and usage of the WWW are strongly recommended. All sessions will start with a discussion of current international events.
3. Additional readings assigned for particular session (usually available online) – a large variety of articles from such sources as: Foreign Affairs, World Politics, Foreign Policy, International Security and others (to be announced).