Required in stage
Optional in stage
Second term
Both terms
Not organised
This year
Next year
Alternating years
External
Prerequisites
Identical coursesIntroduction to International Relations (B-KUL-S0K87A)
English
26 
First term
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contractCannot be taken as part of a credit contract
N. Aims
This course is reserved exclusively for students in the Bachelor of European Studies programme. Students of other programmes are not allowed to take this course in their programme.
The main aim of the course is to introduce students to the study of International Relations (IR). In particular, the course provides students with the analytical toolkit to examine the main concepts and theories within the discipline of IR. The course will also introduce students to the empirical analysis of IR phenomena by delving into debates surrounding trade and finance, climate, and human rights, among others. In doing so, particular attention will be devoted to exploring the role of the European Union in the contemporary global system.
By the end of the course, students will be able to 1. examine and distinguish among the major theoretical debates in IR; and 2. use IR conceptual tools and theoretical insights to interpret, explain and investigate the most relevant issues on the EU’s role in the world.
Previous knowledge
No prior knowledge is required for this course.
Is included in these courses of study
Activities
2 ects. Introduction to International Relations: Lectures (B-KUL-S0K87a)
Content
PART I: Theories and Issues
1. What is IR and why to care?
2. How to study IR?
3. Globalization and global politics
4. Global (dis)orders
5. Global actors: International Organizations and NGOs
6. Trade and finance
7. Climate and environment
8. Gender and race
9. War and security
10. Human rights
Course material
John Baylis, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens (2023), The Globalization of World Politics. An Introduction to International Relations. Ninth Edition. Oxford University Press.
Specific chapters will be communicated in the course syllabus and via Toledo.
Format: more information
Traditional lecture
2 ects. Introduction to International Relations: Seminars (B-KUL-S0K88a)
Content
PART II: Specific issues on the EU’s role in the global system
1. The EU global role in the making of globalization
2. The EU global role in setting the climate agenda
3. The EU global role as as normative power
Course material
Selected sources will be announced by the professors at the beginning of the course
Format: more information
Case-based lecture - Group assignment - Presentation
Evaluation
Evaluation: Introduction to International Relations (B-KUL-S2K87a)
Explanation
Students must attend seminars in order to pass the course.
Students will be evaluated during an individual final exam in the examination period on the topics of the course. The final written exam will consist of multiple choice questions.
Information about retaking exams
Retake assessment format may deviate from the original assessment format