This course introduces students to meta-theoretical questions including ontology and epistemology, major theories and approaches in international relations, including both mainstream theories such as realism and neorealism, liberalism, and the English School, and more critical theories such as constructivism, critical theory, Marxism, poststructuralism, postcolonialism, feminism, relationalism and posthumanism. The course also covers major theoretical debates in the development of this discipline, puts the theories and their development in the context of socio-historical practices and challenges in world politics, and helps students critically evaluate theories and identify appropriate theoretical approaches for their research.

CILO-1: Identify the main focus, major assumptions, key concepts, main strengths and weaknesses of the main theories of international relations. CILO-2: Identify and evaluate major contentious points, themes and trends in the debates of international relations theories. CILO-3: Apply relevant theories and concepts to explain, analyze and reflect on relevant issues and challenges of international relations in the context of students’ own research project. CILO-4: Identify and differentiate the ontological, epistemological, methodological and ethical/political dimensions of IR theories, and critically evaluate their respective implications for international practice and for students’ research and future career development.