Realism in International Relations (U03888)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : SPS-3-RIR

A short description of the course: This course examines the emergence and development of Realist thought in the Twentieth Century. Often misrepresented in the IR theory literature, Realism is a complex and multifaceted theory of international politics which focuses on some of the most important features of international society including the role of human nature, the logic of international society, war, and international morality. Another aspect of the course is to ask the question: how best to understand Realist theory?

Entry Requirements

? Special Arrangements for Entry : Special Arrangements for Entry: A quota of 45 students, with preference given in the following order:

(1) International Relations Single Honours 4th year;
(2) Politics Single Honours 4th year;
(3) Politics Joint Honours 4th year;
(4) International Relations Single Honours 3rd year;
(5) Politics Single Honours 3rd year;
(6) Politics Joint Honours 3rd year;
(7) Other SSPS students;
(8) Non-SSPS students

Please note: because of the high numbers of students enrolled, this course will almost certainly not be able to admit students from outside the College of Humanities and Social Science.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Politics and International Relations, (School of Social and Political Science, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
15/01/2009	16:10	17:00	Room G.01, Chrystal Macmillan Building	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Thursday	16:10	17:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course the student should be able to:

- Identify key realist concepts and the changes in these concepts over time.
- Critically engage with the epistemology of IR theory.
- Have a greater understanding of the workings of international society.
- Apply Realist theory to real world events.