Introduction to International Relations (Scientific Preparation)

Program Type:

Thesis

Non Thesis

Course Code:

POLS 555

P:

3

Lab:

0

Credits:

3

ECTS:

8

Course Language:

English

Course Objectives:

The goals of this course for each student is to a) gain a comprehensive overview of the main areas of International Relations and the directions in which IR has moved since the beginning of the discipline; b) be able to recognize and discuss the theories in relation to various foreign policies.

Course Content:

This course in International Relations assumes a fundamental understanding of basic ingredients and theories of International Relations, usually obtained in undergraduate study. It will thus focus on taking the student deeper into the issues and challenges currently faced in the field, especially the fundamental changes from mid-20th century, Cold War philosophical commitment to positivism and foundationalism to contemporary post-modern and post-structuralist epistemological understandings of thought.

Teaching Methods:

1: Lecture, 2: Discussion based lecture, 3: Case study, 4: Small group work, 5: Seminar, 6: Group work, 7: Research paper, 8: Oral presentation/exam, 9: Survey, 10: Panel, 11: Guest speaker, 12: Activities within a Student Body or Research Project.

Assessment Methods:

A: Exam, B: Homework, C: Oral exam or presentation, D: Discussion.

Vertical Tabs

Course Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes	Program Learning Outcomes	Teaching Methods	Assessment Methods
a. identify various IR theories encountered in the course;	1 ,2	1,2,3,8	A,B,C,D
b. distinguish the key authors of the theories in their historical context;	1, 2, 4	1,2,3,8	A,B,C,D
c. describe the respective theories in some detail.	1, 3, 7	1,2,3,8	A,B,C,D
d. compare and contrast one school of thought with another;	4, 6, 7, 12	1,2,3,8	A,B,C,D
e. analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the various theories;	3, 5, 6	1,2,3,8	A,B,C,D
articulate a preference for one theory or family of theories;	5, 7, 8	1,2,3,8	A,B,C,D
g. argue a position on behalf of a given socio-political situation;	9, 10, 12	1,2,3,8	A,B,C,D
h. identify key dates, countries and capitals of international politics.	4, 6, 10	1,2,3,8	A,B,C,D

Course Flow

COURSE CONTENT
Week	Topics	Study Materials
1	Course overview, administrative issues	-
2	History of IR	Baylis & Smith
3	Basic Theories	Baylis & Smith - Boucher
4	International Organizations	Rich
5	Workshop I	-
6	UN and Historical Background	Kissinger
7	International Order I	Rich
8	MIDTERM EXAMINATION	-
9	International Order II	Rich - Boucher
10	Diplomatic Protocol	Lec. Notes & Articles
11	International Migration	Baylis & Smith
12	International Political Economy	Lec. Notes & Articles
13	Ethics and IR	Kissinger
14	Review	-
15	Conclusions	-

Material Sharing

MATERIAL SHARING
Documents	University Library
Assignments	Getting prepared for the discussion questions and presentations
Exams	Midterm, Final

Assessment

ASSESSMENT
IN-TERM STUDIES	NUMBER	PERCENTAGE
Mid-terms	1	30
Discussion, presentation, homework	12	40
Total		70
CONTRIBUTION OF FINAL EXAMINATION TO OVERALL GRADE	1	30
CONTRIBUTION OF IN-TERM STUDIES TO OVERALL GRADE		70
Total		100

Course’s Contribution to Program

COURSE'S CONTRIBUTION TO PROGRAM
No	Program Learning Outcomes	Contribution
No	Program Learning Outcomes	1	2	3	4	5
1	To demonstrate the ability to specialize and expand knowledge in the fields of political science, international relations, comparative politics, Turkish politics and foreign policy.					x
2	The ability to comprehend the interdisciplinary quality of the political science and international relations discipline.					x
3	A command of basic research models and approaches of political science and international relations discipline and the ability to apply them in academic research and project design.			x
4	Having the ability to assess and interpret the different political and societal systems with an interdisciplinary approach.					x
5	Having a command of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods and abiding by the highest levels of academic and research ethics.	x
6	The ability to present and debate an issue that requires specialization in the field of political science and international relations. The ability to discuss this issue within an intellectual framework, and the ability to express oneself in a professional and academic manner.				x
7	The ability to analyze and critically evaluate basic research models, approaches and intellectual traditions in the field of political science, international relations.					x
8	The ability to utilize academic writing and presentation skills to projects, dissertations and articles.		x
9	Having advanced reading, writing, comprehension and speaking skills in the English language.			x
10	Having the ability to apply knowledge of political science and international relations discipline to information technologies and traditional tools so as to produce sound solutions to problems.	x
11	Possessing experience and social skills necessary for employment in the public and private sectors and/or being admitted to a competitive Ph.D. program.		x
12	Having empathy towards diverse and differing communities, which will facilitate conducing teamwork at local as well as global platforms.		x
13	Having competency of comprehending and interpreting local and global issues through information exchange with international academics and students.	x

ECTS

ECTS ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD BY THE COURSE DESCRIPTION
Activities	Quantity	Duration (Hour)	Total Workload (Hour)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	3	48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	16	5	80
Mid-terms	1	20	20
Homework and presentation	16	2	32
Final examination	1	20	20
Total Workload			200
Total Workload / 25 (h)			8
ECTS Credit of the Course			8

Search form