International Relations and Global Security
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters Autumn
- Course code
- GOV369
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
This course discusses core theories, debates, and concepts in the scholarly studies of International Relations (IR) and global security. Academic traditions covere include classical realism, neorealism, liberalism, and constructivism. Students will learn to apply these theories to historical and current cases, and to assess the relative explanatory powers of each in different empirical settings.
Empirical cases include great-power relations, foreign policy decision-making, international institutions, economic cooperation and conflict, and violent conflict. Civil wars and political violence will also be covered.
After taking the course, students will be equipped with the academic background needed to conduct their own research in international politics, security studies, and conflict research.
Learning Outcomes
Students who have completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and competences.
Knowledge
The student...
- has thorough knowledge of central theories, concepts, and debates in International Relations
- has advanced knowledge of how IR theories are applied to contemporary global developments
- has in-depth knowledge of selected historical and contemporary cases in International Relations
Skills
The student...
- can critically assess the explanatory power of major theoretical approaches in International Relations
- can demonstrate advanced theoretical engagement with International Relations scholarship
- can develop independent analytical arguments that engage with scholarly debates
Competence
The student...
- can critically assess and synthesise arguments from academic literature
- can independently relate theoretical perspectives to empirical cases
- can apply approaches from International Relations and global security studies to analyse contemporary developments
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
The course is open for students who have been accepted to Master programmes at the Department of Government.
Exchange students at master level may be accepted upon application. Applications may be rejected due to capacity.
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- 6-8 lectures
- 6-8 seminars based on assigned readings
Students are expected to prepare for classes by completing assigned readings and to participate actively in discussions.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
- One assignment based on an advanced academic article selected from the course literature. The assignment focuses on critical engagement with theory, argumentation, and empirical application.
- In groups, give one brief introduction (10-15 minutes) to a selected topic.
The compulsory assignment must be approved in order to take the exam. Approved compulsory assignments are valid in the current and following two semesters.
Forms of Assessment
A four-hour written school exam.
The exam will be given in the language in which the course is taught.
The exam answer can be submitted in English
Grading Scale
Assessment Semester
Assessment in teaching semester.
A retake exam is arranged for students with valid absence according to UiBs study regulations ยง 5-5.If there is a retake exam for students valid absence, students with the following results/absences can register for the exam:
- Interruption during the exam
- Fail/failed
Students can register themselves in Studentweb after 15. January