Introduction To International Studies
- Social Sciences
- 100 level
- 2 credit units
- 160 pages
- 20 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of INR111, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1 WAR AND STRIFE IN AFRICA: ISSUES IN PEACEKEEPINGPage 103
- UNIT 2 THE UNITED NATIONS ORGANISATION AND THE REFUGEE PROBLEMPage 112
- UNIT 3 THE NUCLEAR THREAT AND INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACYPage 119
- UNIT 4 FOREIGN POLICIES OF AFRICA AND THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIESPage 126
- UNIT 5: UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING EFFORTSPage 134
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
INR111 · UNIT 1 THE DISCIPLINE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
In this unit, we shall examine the nature of the discipline of International Studies, noting the various nomenclatures or ways in which it has been understood. Sometimes, it has been referred to as International Relations and at other times as International Affairs or even International diplomacy.
What you should be able to do
- Discuss the discipline of International Studies
- Distinguish between International Relations and International Studies
- Explain the meaning of Diplomatic History
- Define Foreign Policy and understand the processes of Foreign Policy
- Understand the meaning of National Security
- Discuss the issue of Foreign Aid as it relates to National Interest
- Discuss International Technical Assistance
What it prepares you for
- Diplomat
- Foreign Policy Analyst
- International Relations Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- Political Risk Consultant
- Government
- International Organizations
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Consulting
- Academia
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3:
Unit 3: Methods and Techniques of Formulating Foreign Policy
Understanding the interplay of various domestic and international factors requires critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Module 4:
Unit 1: Principles of Bargaining and Negotiation
Requires understanding of game theory and strategic decision-making in complex scenarios.
- Module 5:
Unit 1: War and Strife in Africa: Issues in Peacekeeping
Involves understanding complex geopolitical dynamics and the roles of various actors in conflict zones.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 53 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: The Discipline of International Studies · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Define International Studies and its various components.. Understand the link between International Relations and History..
Unit 2: International History · 2 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 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 2Module 2:
Unit 1: What is Power? · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Examine the nature of power and the various types of power..
Unit 2: The Power Theory · 2 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 3Module 2:
Unit 3: The Balance of Power · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Examine the meaning and various uses of the term 'Balance of Power'..
Unit 4: Diplomacy · 2 hours
Read Unit 4: Understand diplomacy as a primary political instrument used by nation-states in the pursuit of their national interests..
- Week 4Module 3:
Unit 1: Concept of Foreign Policy · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: Discuss the concept of foreign policy..
- Week 5Module 3:
Unit 2: Foreign Policy and National Interest · 3 hours
Read Unit 2: Discuss National Interest in the context of foreign policy..
- Week 6Module 3:
Unit 3: Methods and Techniques of Formulating Foreign Policy · 3 hours
Read Unit 3: Discuss the methods and techniques of foreign policy..
- Week 7Module 3:
Unit 4: Foreign Policy Execution · 3 hours
Read Unit 4: Examine the issue of foreign policy execution or implementation..
- Week 8Module 4:
Unit 1: Principles of Bargaining and Negotiation · 3 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 9Module 4:
Unit 2: Negotiating Skills · 3 hours
Read Unit 2: Examine the issue of negotiating skills..
- Week 10Module 4:
Unit 3: The Search for National Security · 3 hours
Read Unit 3: Introduces us to the issue of National Security, and its importance for the survival of a country..
- Week 11Module 4:
Unit 4: International Technical Assistance · 3 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 12Module 5:
Unit 1: War and Strife in Africa: Issues in Peacekeeping · 3 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 hours
Read Unit 2: Discuss the refugee problem to wars and conflicts..
- Week 13Module 5:
Unit 3: The Nuclear Threat and International Diplomacy · 3 hours
Read Unit 3: Examine the nuclear threat and international diplomacy..
Unit 4: Foreign Policies of Africa and the Developing Countries · 3 hours
Read Unit 4: Examine the foreign policies of Africa and the developing countries..
Unit 5: United Nations Peacekeeping Efforts · 3 hours
Read Unit 5: Examine the United Nations Peacekeeping Efforts..
Preparing for the exam
- Review key theories and concepts from Units 3-6.
- Create timelines of major historical events discussed in Units 2 and 16.
- Practice applying foreign policy concepts to current global events.
- Focus on understanding the roles and functions of international organizations (Units 17 and 20).
- Prepare concise summaries of each unit's main points for quick review.
- Prioritize studying areas where you scored lower on TMAs.
Questions students ask about this course
What is INR111 about?
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.
How many units does INR111 have?
INR111, Introduction To International Studies, has 20 units across 5 modules, over 160 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is INR111?
INR111 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Social Sciences.
Is INR111 hard?
INR111 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does INR111 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.
How is INR111 assessed?
INR111 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with INR111?
Diplomat, Foreign Policy Analyst, International Relations Officer, Intelligence Analyst and Political Risk Consultant.