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INR122Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

CONCEPTS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts in International Relations. It explores key concepts within International Politics, International Law, International Organizations, and Foreign Policy and Security/Strategic Studies. The course aims to provide learners with a working knowledge of these basic concepts, using relevant examples to illustrate their application in current global developments. It prepares students for further study in this exciting and ever-evolving field.

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200h
Study Time
13
Weeks
15h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
International RelationsInternational PoliticsInternational LawForeign PolicySecurity Studies

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 Relations Theories

2

International System

3

War and Conflict

4

International Law

5

International Organizations

6

Foreign Policy

7

Security Studies

8

Diplomacy

Total Topics8 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

International Relations Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Intelligence Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conflict Resolution Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Government and DiplomacyInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental OrganizationsThink Tanks and Research InstitutesJournalism and Media

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: The Study of International Relations

10h

Unit 1: Meaning and Study of International Relations

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Define International Relations from various perspectives.
  • •Discuss the historical background and its relationship with Political Science.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Unit 2: The International System

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Define the International System.
  • •Explain the international system according to liberal and realist scholars.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
Week
2

Module 1: The Study of International Relations

10h

Unit 3: The Nature of and Importance of International Relations

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Outline the nature of International Relations.
  • •Discuss the importance of the discipline to the global community.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Unit 4: The Importance of Concepts in International Relations

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: State what a concept is.
  • •Enunciate its importance to international relations study.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
Week
3

Module 2: CONCEPTS IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

7h

Unit 1: The Concept of War

7 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Define the concept of war according to different scholars.
  • •Highlight and discuss the causes of war from the point of view of different theories.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
Week
4

Module 2: CONCEPTS IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

12h

Unit 2: Actors in International System

6 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Define and clearly explain actors and non-state institutions in the international system.
  • •Explain the relevance and impact of non-state actors in shaping global events.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Unit 3: National Interest

6 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Explain the concept of national interest as a foreign policy agenda of a sovereign state.
  • •Highlight the kinds of national interests and their relevance to a country vis a vis other countries in the international system.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
Week
5

Module 2: CONCEPTS IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

7h

Unit 4: Balance of Power

7 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Define the concept of balance of power.
  • •Discuss balance of power as a situation, policy and system.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
Week
6

Module 3: CONCEPTS IN INTERNATIONAL LAW

7h

Unit 1: International Law

7 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Define international law.
  • •State the need for international law.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
Week
7

Module 3: CONCEPTS IN INTERNATIONAL LAW

7h

Unit 2: Extradition

7 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Define the concept of extradition.
  • •Explain what is meant by extradition treaty.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
Week
8

Module 3: CONCEPTS IN INTERNATIONAL LAW

12h

Unit 3: War Crime

6 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Explain the concept of war crime.
  • •Highlight specific examples of war crimes.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Unit 4: Terrorism

6 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Define terrorism.
  • •Identify some of the terrorist organizations.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
Week
9

Module 3: CONCEPTS IN INTERNATIONAL LAW

7h

Unit 5: Genocide

7 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Define genocide.
  • •Discuss, with relevant contemporary examples, cases of genocide in modern history.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
Week
10

Module 4: CONCEPTS IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION AND FOREIGN POLICY

7h

Unit 1: The West-Phalian System

7 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Explain the background of the Westphalian system.
  • •Define sovereignty as a strong element of the Westphalian system.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
Week
11

Module 4: CONCEPTS IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION AND FOREIGN POLICY

7h

Unit 2: Alliances and Coalition

7 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Define alliances and coalitions.
  • •Give instance of alliances and coalitions in the international system.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
Week
12

Module 4: CONCEPTS IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION AND FOREIGN POLICY

7h

Unit 3: Non-Alignment

7 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Define non-alignment.
  • •Differentiate between non-alignment and traditional neutralism.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
Week
13

Module 4: CONCEPTS IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION AND FOREIGN POLICY

7h

Unit 4: Foreign Policy

7 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Define foreign policy.
  • •Explain problems of foreign policy analysis.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

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

Create concept maps linking the different theories of international relations (Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism).

2

Focus on understanding the historical context and evolution of key concepts like sovereignty and balance of power.

3

Practice applying different theoretical perspectives to analyze current global events.

4

Review case studies of international conflicts and diplomatic negotiations.

5

Prepare concise summaries of each module's key concepts and arguments.

6

Prioritize understanding the functions and structures of major international organizations (UN, NATO, AU).

7

Analyze the foreign policies of different states, focusing on their objectives and strategies.

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