ASPO 25A35 - Major Controversies in International Relations
ASPO 25A35 · Spring semester 2025-2026
- Language of tuition
- English
- Course type
- Cours magistral
- Number of hours
- 24
- Credits
- 5
Information
Description
Why is there not one theory but diverse theories of International Relations? And why should we care?
The guiding hypothesis of this course is that contrary to other disciplines, theoretical debate, including the contestation of epistemological and ontological core assumptions, has always been at the very heart of the discipline of International Relations. If theoretical diversity and contestation therefore can be seen as the defining criteria of IR scholarship, multi-perspectivity and dissent need to be embraced rather than criticised. At the same time, how do we – as IR teachers, students, and researchers – find a way through these moving grounds, how can we articulate rich and innovative analysis that helps to interpret our complex contemporary world differently and, ideally, better? Discussing a range of key concepts, the class will highlight diverging ontological and epistemological perspectives, using mini-debates, videos, and readings.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of ‘classical’ IR theories and their key concepts
Assessment
Mid term exam + final exam
Readings
Main readings 1
-
Dunne, T., Kurki, M., & Smith, S. (Eds.). (2016). International relations theories: discipline and diversity (4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Further readings 5
-
Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (2017). The globalization of world politics: an introduction to international relations (Seventh Edition). Oxford / New York: Oxford University Press.
-
Carlsnaes, W., Risse, T. & Simmons, B. (Eds.) (2012). Handbook of International Relations. Thousand Oaks: SAGE.
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Kurki, M. (2008). Causation in International Relations: Reclaiming Causal Analysis. Cambridge / New York: Cambridge University Press.
-
Shepherd, L. J. (Ed.) (2013). Critical approaches to security: an introduction to theories and methods. London / New York: Routledge.
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Waltz, K. N. (2001 (1959)). Man, the State, and War: A Theoretical Analysis. New York: Columbia University Press.
Teaching units
| Unit no. | Unit type | Teaching units | Teachers | Number of hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58608 | Cours magistral | Major Controversies in International Relations | Eric SANGAR, Katharina EGLE | 24 | 5 |
Teachers
- Eric SANGAR
- Katharina EGLE
In the curricula
Contacts and resources
- Contact
- NICOULEAU Svetlana