National Defence University

Faculty of Contemporary Studies

Department of International Relations
COURSE OUTLINE

Course Title: Introduction to International Relations

Course Code: IR-110
Instructor: Rabael Hamza
Semester: BS 1st
Class Schedule:
Tuesday: 14.15 to 15.45
Thursday: 12.30 to 02.00
Capsule Statement:

The course is designed to highlight the significance and introduce students with the basic
conceptual understanding and fundamentals of International Relations.

Objectives:

The course is designed to encompass the following objectives:

 To equip students with the conceptual understanding of the subject.

 To acquaint students with the key terminologies used in the discipline (state, system,
individual, intergovernmental organizations etc.)
 To develop theoretical understanding of the subject.
 To instill the practical application of theories and real world.
 To enhance students analytical and initial thinking.

Scope of the Course:

Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the multi-disciplinary nature of
international relations by establishing connections with the disciplines that have shaped and
continue to influence international relations: politics, economics, society, culture, history,
language, race, and ethnicity.
Course Outline:
1 Introduction to International  Definition
Relations  Why study IR?
 Significance
 Methods of study
2 Historical Evolution  Greek Civilization
 Roman Empire
 European History
 WWI (World War I)
 WW2 (World War II)
 Cold War
 Post-Cold War
3 Theoretical Perspectives  What is a theoretical perspective?
o What is a theory?
o Why we need theories?
 Realism
 Liberalism
 Marxism
 Constructivism
4 Actors 4a. Individual
o Individuals that matter
o Private Elite
o Mass Public

4b. State
 Definition
 Elements of state
o Sovereignty
o Population
o Territory
o Government
 Types of States
o Ideologies
 o Nationalism
 Instruments of state power
o Diplomacy
- Track 1
- Track 2
- Track 3
o Foreign Policy
- Definition
- Models
4c. System
 Definition
 Theoretical perspective
4d. Intergovernmental/Regional/Nongovernmental
Organizations
 Definition
 Role
 Characteristics
 Theories
o Collectivism
o Functionalism
o Common Good
 UN (United Nations)
 EU (European Union)
 NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations)
 Success and Stalemate
5 War and Strife  Why wars occur?
 Types of war
 Weapons of war
 Theoretical Explanation
 Approaches to peace
6 International Political  Definition
Economy  Realist IPE
o Mercantilism
  Liberal IPE
o Free market/Republican
 Marxist
o Dependencies/World System Theory
7 Globalization

Teaching Methods and Techniques:

 Lectures
 Activities
 Student Presentations
 Group Discussions
 Quizzes

Assessment Mechanism/Criterion:

 Assignment:15% weightage
 Quizzes: 15% weightage
 Project:10 % weightage
 Class Participation:05% weightage
 Mid-Terms:20% weightage
 Final Exam:35% weightage

Recommended Readings:

Suggested Books

1. Jackson, Robert and Sorensen, Georg. Introduction to International Relations Theories

and Approaches, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003.
2. Mingst, Karen. Essentials of International Relations, 7th ed. New York: W.W Norton and
Company, 2016.
3. Salmon, Trevor and Imber, Mark. Ed. Issues of International Relations.2nd ed. New York:
Routledge, 2008.