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Themes & Theories in International Relations - POL00031M

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  • Department: Politics and International Relations
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module enables students to understand, explain, critique, and apply contemporary International Relations theory. The module examines contemporary International Relations theory at an advanced level. Students will examine how we come to know what International Relations is, and consider debates over the role of theory in explaining, understanding and constituting International Relations. The module introduces students to a range of contemporary issues in International Relations and explores how application of different conceptual frameworks generates different forms of understanding and explanation.

Module learning outcomes

Students will develop a detailed understanding of competing theoretical perspectives in International Relations and an important awareness of the relationship between theory, context and practice and the contingency of knowledge claims about international politics.

Module content

  1. Problems and Theories in World Politics

  2. The Problem of Conflict and Peace

  3. The Problem of Cooperation (and Interests)

  4. The Problem of Order and Justice

  5. The Problem of Norms and Trust

  6. Mid Term Revision

  7. The Problem of the Economy

  8. The Problem of Knowledge

  9. The Problem of Action

  10. The Problem of the West

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s feedback and guidance hours.

Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than 25 working days; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s regular feedback and guidance hours.

Indicative reading

Brown, Chris and Kirsten Ainley (2009) Understanding International Relations. Fourth Edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Dunne, Tim, Milja Kurki and Steve Smith (eds) (2013) International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity. Third Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Sterling-Folker, Jennifer (ed) (2013) Making Sense of International Relations Theory, Second Edition. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.