NAME OF SCHOOL: School of Humanities & Social Science (SHSS)

SEMESTER: SPRING, 2021.

COURSE: IRL2000 A: FOUNDATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
LECTURER : Njoroge SG
CREDIT UNITS : 3

TIME/DAYS: Tue - Thursday 13:20-15:00

VENUE: On Line (Just in case on Campus – Sci3)

CONSLTN-HRS: Thru’ Email. Face to Face (If necessary SHSS Office Rm 32 by Appntment).
TEL:/EMAIL njoroges@usiu.ac.ke Phone:

COURSE DESCRIPTION

1. The aim of this course is to offer a strong foundation in the study of world politics (nation
states interactions). It introduces students to the concept of theories and the relevance of
explaining world politics theoretically. It surveys the canonical theories of International
Relations (IR): Realism, Liberalism and Marxism and the ways in which they approach some
central topics in IR including Sovereignty, Power, War and Peace, International Political
Economy (IPE), Environmental issues, Humanitarian intervention, International Law, Terrorism
etc. The course offers a good opportunity and basis from which to appreciate the theoretical
schools of thought in the study of IR and how to apply them (theories) to interpret/explain and
project global situations. A student who goes through the course successfully should have a firm
beginning of seeing and understanding the World issues with ease, making intellectual sense out
of situations, and being able to interpret issues surrounding events and their trends through IR
prism. The course is a Key Milestone to a student who wants a firm foundation in the discipline.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

2. The course objective is to introduce students to behaviour of states at international realm;

hence International Relations and expose them to theoretical conceptualization of the discipline.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

3. a. Explain concepts and theories in International Relations.

b. Explain and use Research Methodology in International Relations.

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 c. Collect, Collate, analyze and respond to critically to information.
d. Critically analyze the dynamics of world politics.
e. Identify threats and opportunities to national strategic interests, and formulate policies in
response.
f. Apply understanding of a global, multicultural and complex interconnected world to explain
and predict issues in International Relations.
g. Demonstrate diplomatic etiquette in the International context.

LINK TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

4. a. Explain concepts and theories in International Relations

b. Critically analyze the dynamics of world politics.
c. Identify threats and opportunities to national strategic interests and formulate policies in
response.
d. Apply understanding of a global, multicultural and complex interconnected world to explain
and predict issues in International Relations.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

5. At the end of the course students should be able to:

a. Demonstrate understanding of different concepts and theories in Int’l Relations (IR).
b. Critically analyze the dynamics of world politics.
c. Identify threats and opportunities to national strategic interests and formulate policies in
response.
d. Demonstrate a basic understanding of a global, multicultural and interconnected world
and use this knowledge to explain and predict issues in IR.

COURSE REQUIREMENT

6. Students are expected to read and follow the schedule in the course syllabus, to read
assigned text chapters, lecture notes and additional suggested resources as provided for by the
course text and the instructor. Students are advised to remain alert and attentive with note taking
in class and have a demonstrated desire to participate in class discussions throughout the session.

An attendance roster is kept and students are expected to attend all sessions as scheduled; and on
time. As per the university rules, any student who misses more than SEVEN sessions will
receive an automatic F grade. Students should be prudent and avoid this at all costs.

ASSIGNMENTS

7. As part of the requirement of the course, the student will undertake two individual
assignments (a Research/term paper {if conversant with various styles of referencing: MLA,
Chicago and APA} and an Article Review) and a joint one with Others-Group work.

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 a. Individual Assignment (15%). Every student is to research on a country of his/her
choice, do a thorough work and be able to bring out the following in a properly written
word document with proper in-text and list of references preferably in APA style:
- The historical back ground of the country and its political system.
- How the country conducted its politics during the cold war period and the
camp it aligned itself to.
- The development of its political system to the current one.
- The country’s impact or influence regionally and on the global arena.
- Anything else of interest to its politics, influence and governance.
The paper should be: not more than 5 pages, 1 inch margins, use Times New Roman-
size12 point font and be double-spaced. It’s due on Thursday (11th Feb, 2021) Week 5.

b. Article Review Assignment (10%). The article for review will be posted to
blackboard by not later than the third week and will be due on Thur 18 March…

Group Assignment (18%)

8. Students will be divided into groups and are expected to work with their group members
on a topic which will have been agreed on with the instructor within the first three weeks of the
Sem. The Presentations will start on the 8 th WEEK (2nd March…) with Group one, every Group
on it’s day after 50Min of normal class lecture. Groups one & two are in particular to take note
of this. Each presentation will be limited to 30 mins: 20 (actual presentation un-interrupted)
followed by 10 minutes of class discussions/Q&A. Every group is to research on one of the
countries in the list: USA, Brazil, UK, China, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Russia,
India… depending on the number of groups. The group is to come up with: The historical
background of the country, geographical location, inclination during the cold war period,
evolvement of their political system, their stand in international issues and her close allies.

The report widely and well researched work, should be clearly cited both in-text and final list of
references preferably using APA. Any other reputable style of referencing is allowed. The report
content should clearly come out during the presentation. The final paper should NOT be more
than 2,500 words, and is to be handed in on the group’s presentation day well printed properly
aligned and bound document with a cover page on top with names of the Group members.

PLAGIARISM

9. This is the unauthorized representation of someone else’s thoughts and ideas as if they
were your own. Students must acknowledge sources from which they adopt ideas through
citation and direct quotes must be indicated by the use of quotation marks. The university takes
plagiarism cases seriously and violations may result in failure in the course and in serious cases
expulsion from the degree program. Students are adviced to get used to the best academic
practices from the onset and shun any attempts to get hooked to the wrong academic tendencies.

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COURSE TEXT

10. The course has the following course texts available in the library:

a. Baylis, John, Smith, Steve and Patricia Owens, (2008), The Globalization of
World Politics, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

b. Brown Chris and Kirsten Ainley, (3rd Ed) (2005), Understanding International
Relations, New York, Palgrave Macmillan.

c. Viotti, Paul R. and Kauppi, Mark V. (4th Edition) (2010), International Relations
Theory, New York, Pearson.

ADDITIONAL READINGS

11. The list is not exhaustive but the following books offer a commendable start:

a. Papp, Daniel. S., (1980), Contemporary International Relations: Framework for

Understanding, New York, Macmillan.

b. Morgenthau, Hans, (1967), Politics among Nations, New York, Knopf.

c. E.Dougherty James and Robert L.Ptaltzgraff, jr., (1981), Contending Theories of

International Relations: A Comprehensive Survey, New York, Haper and Row
publishers.

d. Class Handouts.

COURSE CONTENT

12. The Course will run on the following schedule:

WEEK 1: THEORETICAL FOUNDATION

Discussion topics
 Introduction, Definition and Scope of IR
 Early and Modern Approaches
 The International Relations Actors
 Levels of analysis
 The main theoretical perspectives in IR

Learning Outcomes

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  Define International Relations.
 Identify the key actors and level of analysis in International Relations.
 Define key International Relations concepts.
 Understand the main theoretical perspectives in IR.

Assignment
 Lecture notes
 Contending Theories of International Relations pp: 19-22, 28-32.
 Understanding International Relations pp: 1-18.
 International Relations Theory, pp: 1-16.

WEEK 2 AND WEEK 3: THEORIES IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

MOVIE: CHE EL ARGENTINO

Discussion topics
 Nature and Function of Theory In International Relations
 Realism
 Liberalism
 Marxism

Learning Outcomes
 Identify different theories in International Relations.
 Understand each theory and its main assumptions.
 Understand key concepts that apply to each theory.

Assignment
 Lecture notes
 Contending Theories of International Relations pp: 22-28, 69-80, 65-69, 442-446, 428-
442.
 Understanding International Relations pp: 19-39.
 International Relations Theory pp: 4-7, 11-185.

WEEK 4: CONTEMPORARY STATE SYSTEMS

Discussion topic
 Definition
 Unitary State
 Federation

Learning Outcomes
 Distinguish between State and Nation.

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  Identify the different types of States.
 Understand the structure and function of the main organs of governance in
Each State System.

Assignment:
 Handout

WEEK 5: POWER IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Discussion topic
 Definition and Scope of Power in IR
 Importance of Power in International Relations
 Different types of Power and their uses

Learning Outcomes
 Define the term Power.
 Understand the importance of Power in International Relations.
 Identify the various forms of Power and importance of each.

Assignment
 Lecture notes
 Contending Theories of International Relations pp:.72-75.
 Understanding International Relations pp: 80-95.
 International Relations Theory pp: 53-54.

WEEK 6: FOREIGN POLICY AND DECISION MAKING

Discussion topic
 Definition of Foreign Policy
 Organization of Foreign Policy
 Key approaches to Foreign Policy
 Morality and Foreign Policy
 Public Opinion and Foreign Policy

Learning Outcomes
 Define the concept Foreign Policy.
 Identify the central organization of Foreign Policy.
 Identify the characteristics of Foreign Policy.
 Identify the levels of integration and aggregation.
Assignment
 Lecture notes
 Contending Theories of International Relations pp: 598-599.
 Understanding International Relations pp: 63-79.

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WEEK 7: MID-SEMESTER EXAM (25th February 2021):

THE USE OF FORCE. How is it executed? What area the requirements?

Discussion topic
 International Law and the Use of Force
 Collective Action
 Self-Defense
 Pre-emptive Force
 Protection of Nationals
 Humanitarian Intervention
 Non-military Use of Force

Learning Outcomes
 Identify the types of Force.
 Understand why States choose to Use of Force.
 Understand what International Law says about the Use of Force.

Assignment
 Lecture notes
 Handout

WEEK 8: CONFLICT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Discussion topic
 Definition of Conflict
 Types of Conflicts
 Third Party in Conflict Resolution
 Approaches to Conflict
 Women and War

Learning Outcomes
 Define Conflict and related concepts.
 Identify the different types of Conflict.
 Understand the various approaches to Conflict.

Assignment
 Lecture notes
 Contending Theories of International Relations pp: 256-268, 282-321, 374-378.
 Take Note: Presentations Start this week, Groups 1&2.

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WEEK 9: INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Discussion topic
 Purpose of International Organizations
 Types of International Organizations

Learning Outcomes
 Identify the different types of International Organizations.
 Understand the characteristics and purpose of each type of International
Organization.

Assignment:
 Handout

WEEK 10: FOREIGN TRADE

Discussion topic
 Dimensions of Foreign Trade
 Attempts to control Foreign Trade
 Inequality in Foreign Trade

Learning Outcomes
 Understand the different dimensions of Foreign Trade.
 Identify attempts to control Foreign Trade.
 Identify and understand inequality in Foreign Trade.
Assignment:
 Lecture notes
 Contending Theories of International Relations p.454-458, 458-484.
 Understanding International Relations p. 141-163.

WEEK 11: THE CONCEPT OF NATIONAL INTERESTS

Discussion topic
 Definition
 Determinants of National Interest
 The National Interest Matrix

Learning Outcomes
 Define the concept National Interest.
 Understand the determinants of National Interest.

Assignment:
 Lecture notes
 Understanding International Relations p. 20, 30-31.

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WEEK 12: SYSTEMS THEORY

Discussion topic
 Actors, nature and model
 Structure and Stability
 Subsystems in International Relations

Learning Outcomes
 Understand the contradiction that exists among theorists about System and
Structure Stability.
 Identify Subsystems in the International system.
 Understand System as a concept of International Relations theory
including Structure and Uses.

Assignment:
 Lecture notes
 Contending Theories of International Relations p.104-140.

WEEK 13: Revision and Revisit of unclear issues.

WEEK 14: FINAL EXAM. Your Exam to be on 15th April… unless there are changes.

TEACHING METHODOLOGY

13. The course will be conducted using lectures, active class discussion including sharing of personal
experiences to inculcate realism into the course and enrich student imaginations. Presentations.
-PowerPoint Presentations
-Assignments
-Quick Quizzes (Brainteasers)
-Documentary/video show will be arranged as appropriate.
-Student punctuality and active participation is highly encouraged. Participatory learning- most ideal.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS (Vital for smooth Learning)

14. a. Lateness will not be entertained. Hook in on time and MUTE your mics to avoid
distraction and especially when the lecture is on or someone else is speaking.

b. Late submission of Assignments will attract a loss of ONE MARK per DAY.

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COURSE EVALUATION

15.
Attendance and Participation 7%
Individual Assignments 25%
Group Presentations 18%
Mid Semester Exam 20%
Final Exam 30%

TOTAL 100%

GRADING

16.

90 – 100 A 70 – 73 C
87 – 89 A- 67 – 69 C-
84 – 86 B+ 64 – 66 D+
80 – 83 B 62 – 63 D
77 – 79 B- 60 – 61 D-
74 – 76 C+ 59 and below F

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