International Relations Theories and Methodology Field of study: International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy
Programme code: W3-S2MSA24.2024

Module name: International Relations Theories and Methodology
Module code: W3-MS-S2-IRTM
Programme code: W3-S2MSA24.2024
Semester: winter semester 2024/2025
Language of instruction: English
Form of verification: course work
ECTS credits: 3
Purpose and description of the content of education:
During the course ‘International Relations Theories and Methodology’, students will learn about major theoretical approaches to international relations studies. The covered topics include both traditional and critical theories. Students obtain knowledge on the development of particular theories and their links with other disciplines. They will also critically discuss the relevance and/or applicability of the theories as a framework for empirical studies. Finally, students will learn about research methods and techniques characteristic of international relations.
List of modules that must be completed before starting this module (if necessary): not applicable
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
The student is aware of the ethical aspects of research conducted in the field of international relations. [IRTM_K01]
 MS_2_K03 [4/5]
The student is able to apply appropriate research methods specific to the science of international relations, adequately selects tools, collects data, analyzes conclusions guided by reliability. [IRTM_U01]
 MS_2_U01 [3/5] MS_2_U05 [3/5] MS_2_U07 [4/5]
The student is able to effectively present the results of his research on international relations topics, both in writing and in speech in accordance with scientific norms. [IRTM_U02]
 MS_2_U05 [3/5] MS_2_U07 [4/5]
The student has an in-depth knowledge of international relations theory. [IRTM_W01]
 MS_2_W01 [3/5] MS_2_W10 [2/5]
The student knows and understands the complex relationships between the subjects of international law: states, international organizations and other actors of international relations. [IRTM_W02]
 MS_2_W02 [3/5] MS_2_W08 [3/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
practical classes [W3-MS-S2_IRTM_C] 30 Explanation/clarification [a05] 
Activating method – discussion / debate [b04] 
Activating methods: a case study [b07] 
Screen presentation [c07] 
Self-education [f01] 
Individual work with a text [f02]  		course work IRTM_K01 IRTM_U01 IRTM_U02 IRTM_W01 IRTM_W02
The student's work, apart from participation in classes, includes in particular:
Name Category Description
Search for materials and review activities necessary for class participation [a01] Preparation for classes
reviewing literature, documentation, tools and materials as well as the specifics of the syllabus and the range of activities indicated in it as required for full participation in classes
Literature reading / analysis of source materials [a02] Preparation for classes
reading the literature indicated in the syllabus; reviewing, organizing, analyzing and selecting source materials to be used in class
Developing practical skills [a03] Preparation for classes
activities involving the repetition, refinement and consolidation of practical skills, including those developed during previous classes or new skills necessary for the implementation of subsequent elements of the curriculum (as preparation for class participation)
Getting acquainted with the syllabus content [b01] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
reading through the syllabus and getting acquainted with its content
Determining the stages of task implementation contributing to the verification of learning outcomes [c01] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
devising a task implementation strategy embracing the division of content, the range of activities, implementation time and/or the method(s) of obtaining the necessary materials and tools, etc.
Studying the literature used in and the materials produced in class [c02] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
exploring the studied content, inquiring, considering, assimilating, interpreting it, or organizing knowledge obtained from the literature, documentation, instructions, scenarios, etc., used in class as well as from the notes or other materials/artifacts made in class
Implementation of an individual or group assignment necessary for course/phase/examination completion [c03] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
a set of activities aimed at performing an assigned task, to be executed out of class, as an obligatory phase/element of the verification of the learning outcomes assigned to the course
Analysis of the corrective feedback provided by the academic teacher on the results of the verification of learning outcomes [d01] Consulting the results of the verification of learning outcomes
reading through the academic teacher’s comments, assessments and opinions on the implementation of the task aimed at checking the level of the achieved learning outcomes
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)