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INR111Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To International Studies

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and theories of International Studies. It explores the historical development of the discipline, examining key events and figures that have shaped international relations. Topics include power dynamics, diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, and international technical assistance. Students will learn to analyze international issues, understand foreign policy decision-making, and appreciate the role of international organizations in maintaining peace and security.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
International StudiesDiplomacyForeign PolicyNational SecurityInternational Relations

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

International History

2

Theories of International Studies

3

Power Theory

4

Diplomacy

5

Foreign Policy

6

National Security

7

International Technical Assistance

8

Peacekeeping

9

Refugee Problems

10

Nuclear Threat

Total Topics10 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

Foreign Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Intelligence Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Political Risk Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)ConsultingAcademia

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

6h

Unit 1: The Discipline of International Studies

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Define International Studies and its various components.
  • •Understand the link between International Relations and History.

Unit 2: International History

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Understand what is meant by international history or diplomatic history.
  • •Emphasis will be laid on the historical method in international relations.

Unit 3: Theories of International Studies

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Examine the Systems theory as it relates to international studies.
  • •Note in particular the various theorists and how this theory helps us to explain what happens in the relations between countries at the regional and state levels.
Week
2

Module 2:

4h

Unit 1: What is Power?

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Examine the nature of power and the various types of power.

Unit 2: The Power Theory

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Remember that the issue of power and how it is used is central to the study of Political Science and international relations.
Week
3

Module 2:

4h

Unit 3: The Balance of Power

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Examine the meaning and various uses of the term 'Balance of Power'.

Unit 4: Diplomacy

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Understand diplomacy as a primary political instrument used by nation-states in the pursuit of their national interests.
Week
4

Module 3:

3h

Unit 1: Concept of Foreign Policy

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Discuss the concept of foreign policy.
Week
5

Module 3:

3h

Unit 2: Foreign Policy and National Interest

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Discuss National Interest in the context of foreign policy.
Week
6

Module 3:

3h

Unit 3: Methods and Techniques of Formulating Foreign Policy

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Discuss the methods and techniques of foreign policy.
Week
7

Module 3:

3h

Unit 4: Foreign Policy Execution

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Examine the issue of foreign policy execution or implementation.
Week
8

Module 4:

3h

Unit 1: Principles of Bargaining and Negotiation

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Examine the principles of bargaining and negotiation, the method of negotiating protocols and the Joint-problem solving approach to negotiation.
Week
9

Module 4:

3h

Unit 2: Negotiating Skills

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Examine the issue of negotiating skills.
Week
10

Module 4:

3h

Unit 3: The Search for National Security

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Introduces us to the issue of National Security, and its importance for the survival of a country.
Week
11

Module 4:

3h

Unit 4: International Technical Assistance

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Examine international technical assistance which is another way states deploy to project their foreign policy and interests just as in the case of extending foreign aid.
Week
12

Module 5:

6h

Unit 1: War and Strife in Africa: Issues in Peacekeeping

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Focus on the issues concerning peacekeeping and the resultant effects.

Unit 2: The United Nations Organisation and the Refugee Problem

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Discuss the refugee problem to wars and conflicts.
Week
13

Module 5:

9h

Unit 3: The Nuclear Threat and International Diplomacy

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Examine the nuclear threat and international diplomacy.

Unit 4: Foreign Policies of Africa and the Developing Countries

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Examine the foreign policies of Africa and the developing countries.

Unit 5: United Nations Peacekeeping Efforts

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Examine the United Nations Peacekeeping Efforts.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review key theories and concepts from Units 3-6.

2

Create timelines of major historical events discussed in Units 2 and 16.

3

Practice applying foreign policy concepts to current global events.

4

Focus on understanding the roles and functions of international organizations (Units 17 and 20).

5

Prepare concise summaries of each unit's main points for quick review.

6

Prioritize studying areas where you scored lower on TMAs.

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