UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCES
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY (IPL 752)

TIME: 3 hours JUNE 2008 MARKS: 100

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

As soon as the results of examinations and supplementary examinations are available, the faculty
administration will display them on the notice boards next to the Human Sciences Building.

LECTURERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF WILL NOT GIVE CANDIDATES THEIR RESULTS
PERSONALLY OR BY TELEPHONE.

Results will be available at telephone number 083 123111 and also on the Internet address:
http://www.up.ac.za

Supplementary examinations are not granted automatically, but the results obtained are
considered individually to determine whether a supplementary examination should be granted.
Students must consult the notice board to determine whether such an examination has been
granted and, thereafter, contact the lecturer for the date, time and venue of the examination.

Internal examiner: Prof A du Plessis

External examiner: Prof GS Labuschagne (UNISA)

This paper consists of 2 pages. In their own interest students are requested to write legibly.

ANSWER THREE (3) QUESTIONS.

1. “… the first question has to be whether IR is a (still?) a discipline, and whether it is

likely to remain one …” (Ole Wæver in Dunne, et al. 2007. International Relations
Theory. p. 290). With reference to the aforesaid, also considering the post-1980s
development and diversity of International Relations Theory, discuss the discipline
question of International Relations.
(100)

2. Critically asses the contribution that either Critical Theory or Postmodernism – as an

example of post-positivist and reflectivist theorising – has made to the understanding of
international relations.
(100)

3. “The rise of constructivism heralds a return to a more sociological, historical and

practice-orientated form of international relations scholarship.” (Christian Reus-
Smith in Burchill, S. et al. 2001. Theories of International Relations. p. 227. With
reference to this statement, discuss Constructivism as a theoretical perspective and
assess the extent to which it succeeds (or not) in bridging the divide between
rationalist and reflectivist theories of International Relations.
(100)
 2
4. Gendered theories of International Relations respond to the alleged male bias of
mainstream International Relations theories. Why, how and to what extent does
Feminism, as a theoretical perspective, provide a ‘new view’ of international
relations? With specific reference to a research agenda, conclude by critically
assessing the practical viability of this theoretical alternative.
(100)

5. With reference to its nature, scope and underlying assumptions, critically assess
the extent to which (or not) Postcolonialism provides a theoretical alternative to
counter the alleged theoretical marginalisation of Africa in International Relations.
(100)

Total: (100 X 3) ÷ 3 = 100%

THIS EXAMINATION PAPER IS AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH ONLY, BUT YOU ARE ALLOWED
TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN AFRIKAANS

HIERDIE EKSAMENVRAESTEL IS SLEGS IN ENGELS BESKIKBAAR, MAAR U MAG DIE

VRAE IN AFRIKAANS BEANTWOORD.