Foreign Policy Analysis. Introduction 2104-M-D1WAPZ
The goal of the course is to make students acquainted with the foreign policy analysis (FPA). We discus the genesis of the particular method in the broader context of the historical development of international relations as a subdiscipline of political science. Students learn to place FPA within the framework of the existing theories of international relations.The emphasis is placed on the significance of the decision-making process, the impact of institutions and broadly understood social actors as well as the role of culture in forming foreign policy. During each class students are encouraged to think how the discussed theoretical concept could be applied for their own original research project.
Topics:
1. What is Foreign Policy Analysis: Introduction.
2. Foreign Policy and Theories of International Relations
3. The Decision-Making Process and Bureaucracy.
4. Institutions and Social Actors in Foreign Policy
5. Culture in Foreign Policy
Student Workload (ECTS Credits)
Type of Student Activity / Hourly Workload
Contact Hours: Participation in seminars in the classroom – workload: 13 h
Contact hours: Participation in a quiz and office hours (during scheduled office hours) – workload: 4 h
Independent study: Studying the literature and preparing for upcoming classes – workload: 12 h
Independent work: Teamwork, preparation of a group assignment, preparation of a presentation (optional)—workload: 6 h
Independent work: Self-study and preparation for the written exam—workload: 12 h
TOTAL STUDENT WORKLOAD (h): 50 hours
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Term 2025Z:
The goal of the course is to make students acquainted with the foreign policy analysis (FPA). We discus the genesis of the particular method in the broader context of the historical development of international relations as a subdiscipline of political science. Students learn to place FPA within the framework of the existing theories of international relations.The emphasis is placed on the significance of the decision-making process, the impact of institutions and broadly understood social actors as well as the role of culture in forming foreign policy. During each class students are encouraged to think how the discussed theoretical concept could be applied for their own original research project. Topics: |
Term 2026Z:
The goal of the course is to make students acquainted with the foreign policy analysis (FPA). We discus the genesis of the particular method in the broader context of the historical development of international relations as a subdiscipline of political science. Students learn to place FPA within the framework of the existing theories of international relations.The emphasis is placed on the significance of the decision-making process, the impact of institutions and broadly understood social actors as well as the role of culture in forming foreign policy. During each class students are encouraged to think how the discussed theoretical concept could be applied for their own original research project. Topics: 2. Foreign Policy and Theories of International Relations 3. The Decision-Making Process and Bureaucracy. 4. Institutions and Social Actors in Foreign Policy 5. Culture in Foreign Policy Student Workload (ECTS Credits) |
Course coordinators
Term 2025Z: | Term 2026Z: |
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: The student describes, at an advanced level,
the specific nature of international relations as part of the discipline of political science and public administration, as well as the place of political science and public administration within the social sciences. Classifies and explains the terminology, methods, theory, and subject-specific and methodological characteristics of foreign policy analysis within the framework of international relations theory.
Skills: Graduates are able to:
apply, at an advanced level, theoretical knowledge in the field of international relations and related disciplines to conduct an in-depth analysis of the origins, course, and consequences of specific political, economic, cultural, military, and legal phenomena at both the international and national levels, particularly in the sphere of foreign policy issues.
The student formulates and solves advanced research problems using the knowledge acquired during their studies; to this end, they use appropriately selected methods, techniques, and tools, including information and communication technologies, to formulate and test hypotheses related to simple research problems within their field of study.
Social Competencies: The student is able to critically evaluate
their own knowledge and the content presented to them. They demonstrate a willingness to objectively self-assess the level of their own academic skills,
and collaborate in task-oriented groups while maintaining integrity and academic ethics.
K_W01, K_W03, K_U01, K_U02, K_U03, K_U04, K_K01
Assessment criteria
Methods:
Each class starts with a discussion over a selected source - a text which is considered "canonical" for International Relations Theory. Next the Lecturer presents the most important concepts related to the topic. Finally, Students present and discuss a case study, which encourages them to put the theoretical concepts to the test. The goal of the classes is to activate Students and improve their critical thinking.
The following teaching methods are used during the course to achieve the learning outcomes assigned to the course
Method
1. Seminar-style lecture - learning outcomes achieved: K_W01, , K_W03, K_W07
2. Moderated discussion—learning outcomes achieved: K_W01, K_W02, K_W03, K_W07; K_U01, K_K01
3. Project-based method (teams of two) – learning outcomes achieved: K_U01, K_U02, K_K01
4. Case study analysis (during academic discussion) – learning outcomes achieved: K_W03, K_U01
Conditions to pass the course:
- Attendance is mandatory; one absence is permitted during the course without the need for an excuse. Any two additional absences must be “made up” by working a duty shift. Absences from more than four classes that are not excused by a doctor's note will result in disqualification from the exam.
- passing final test (min. 51%)
- preparing one collective assignment (session no. 6).
Each group of students prepares a mini-project which relates to the issue of Poland's foreign policy selected by the Lecturer. In a written form (max 2 pages, in bullet points) each group defines own research problem, a hypothesis, research questions, goal and indicates a method characteristic for Foreign Policy Analysis. During the class groups present their projects. The assignment is not graded, it is rather a homework designed as students' first independent attempt to apply the theories in designing a research project.
The final grade can be increased due to:
- regular participation in class discussions (from 0,5 up to 2 points per class)
- preparing and presenting a case study (optional) (max 3 points)
List of suggested topics for presentations (groups of 3, duration: approx. 15 minutes).
1) The conflict in Ukraine (the phase following February 24, 2022): how three theoretical paradigms of international relations explain the causes of this conflict.
2) The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962): an analysis of the role of the decision-making process
3) The Tiananmen Square Protests (1989). China’s Policy and the International Community’s Response in Light of the Actions of Social Actors
4) The Importance of Ideas and Views in Foreign Policy. The Case of the Neoconservatives and the U.S. Invasion of Iraq (2003)
Method of assessing the learning outcomes in question;
1. Final exam (Final written test—closed-ended and semi-open-ended questions)
- Assigned learning outcomes: K_W01 (understanding the specifics of the FPA subdiscipline) K_W03 (knowledge of terminology, key figures, and trends)
2. Group project (max. 2 people) (optional – public presentation)
- Assigned learning outcomes: K_U02 (Formulating conclusions and presentations); K_K01 (Collaboration and ethics), K_U04 (Leading a team)
3. Assessment of ongoing participation (Participation in discussions, workshop tasks based on readings, or alternatively, a conversation during office hours or the preparation of additional written assignments)
- Assigned learning outcomes: K_U01 (Critical analysis); K_K01 (Objective self-assessment)
The assessment of learning outcomes is conducted entirely without the use of artificial intelligence. Students rely solely on their own knowledge, understanding, and skills. Artificial intelligence may not be used at any stage of the assessment process.
Practical placement
not applicable
Bibliography
Textbook: Jean-Frederic Morin, Jonathan Paquin, Foreign Policy Analysis. A Toolbox Palgrave MacMillan 2018/ 2020.
The selection of sources: Hanna Schreiber, Anna Wojciuk [red.], Stosunki międzynarodowe. Antologia tekstów źródłowych, tom 1 i tom 2, WUW 2018/2022.
Steve Smith, Amelia Hadfield, Tim Dunne, Foreign Policy. Theories, Actors, Cases, Oxford University Press 2008.
Additional reading:
Adriana Dudek, Decydowanie w polskiej polityce zagranicznej (1992-1997), Warszawa 2019.
Edward Haliżak [red.], Badanie polityki zagranicznej państwa, Warszawa 2018.
Tomasz Pugacewicz, Teorie polityki zagranicznej, Kraków 2017.
Special issue (nr 6) „Teoria Polityki” 2022, link: https://www.ejournals.eu/TP/2022/Nr-6/
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Term 2025Z:
Jean-Frederic Morin, Jonathan Paquin, Foreign Policy Analysis. A Toolbox Palgrave MacMillan 2018. Hanna Schreiber, Anna Wojciuk [red.], Stosunki międzynarodowe. Antologia tekstów źródłowych, tom 1, WUW 2018. Steve Smith, Amelia Hadfield, Tim Dunne, Foreign Policy. Theories, Actors, Cases, Oxford University Press 2008. Optional: Adriana Dudek, Decydowanie w polskiej polityce zagranicznej (1992-1997), Warszawa 2019. Edward Haliżak [red.], Badanie polityki zagranicznej państwa, Warszawa 2018. |
Term 2026Z:
Textbook: Jean-Frederic Morin, Jonathan Paquin, Foreign Policy Analysis. A Toolbox Palgrave MacMillan 2018/ 2020 The selection of sources: Hanna Schreiber, Anna Wojciuk [red.], Stosunki międzynarodowe. Antologia tekstów źródłowych, tom 1, WUW 2018. Steve Smith, Amelia Hadfield, Tim Dunne, Foreign Policy. Theories, Actors, Cases, Oxford University Press 2008. Optional: Adriana Dudek, Decydowanie w polskiej polityce zagranicznej (1992-1997), Warszawa 2019. Edward Haliżak [red.], Badanie polityki zagranicznej państwa, Warszawa 2018. Special issue (nr 6) „Teoria Polityki” 2022, link: https://www.ejournals.eu/TP/2022/Nr-6/ |
Notes
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Term 2025Z:
None |