(1) To provide students with the essentials of understanding the basic facts of learning about theory and its relevance to international relations. To explain necessary requirements in building and improving an overall conceptual capability. To conceive the spirit of the term and concept of theory and understanding its essence and relevance to international relations in reality. As the second step, taking well known theoretical stands (e.g., realism) into consideration in general terms, just to show them how can the conceptual explanations be classified into action oriented schools of thought. (2) Providing students with an ability to identify, conceive and understand the essentials of the main theoretical schools of thought and use their basic points in the explanation of the international realities. (3) Preparing the conditions necessary for raising the levels of interest and motivation towards—at least—“trying to learn” about theory since, as is the case in any particular field of study in any branch of the scientific world, the “theory” could be regarded as the hardest and unpleasant—yet necessary—part of the academic process. (4) Closely related to above statements, to provide students at least with a chance of realizing the fact that all discussions of international politics proceed upon theoretical assumptions, which we should acknowledge and investigate rather than ignore or leave unchallenged.
The course—with analytical purposes—is divided into two groups of arguments. The first group relates to the meaning and the process of the concept of theory in general and its relevance to the study field of international relations in particular; and the historical precedents leading to the development of the ınternational relations theory. The second group covers brief analytical discussions on realism, neo-realism and as the alternative views –liberal, institutional and critical approaches. Within a general framework of introductory explanations, the system thought in particular, and its relevance to international relations- -in general- -are also taken into consideration. Final arguments are to be related to such groups of thought as the radical, international society, international organization, post-modernist theories.