Evolution Of Modern International System
- Social Sciences
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 157 pages
- 16 units
This course provides a detailed understanding of the international system, its structures, and evolution from classical to contemporary periods. It explores key concepts such as the balance of power, anarchy, and the role of state and non-state actors. The course examines the realist and idealist approaches, major historical events, and contemporary issues like globalization, collective security, and terrorism. Students will analyze the behavior of nations and interpret relationships among them, developing critical insights into international politics.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assessments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of INR251, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
INR251 · UNIT 1 DEFINITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
In conclusion, all the features of this course guide have been designed to facilitate learning in order that you achieve the aims and objectives of the course. They include the aims and objectives, course summary, course overview, self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked assignments. You should ensure that you make maximum use of them in your study to achieve maximum results.
What you should be able to do
- Define and explain the concept of the international system.
- Differentiate between classical, transitional, post-World War II, and contemporary international systems.
- Identify and explain various features of the international system, including actors, interests, and anarchy.
- Explain how issues like globalization, collective security, and terrorism impact the contemporary international system.
- Discuss alternative world order models and their potential for reordering the future international system.
What it prepares you for
- Diplomat
- International Relations Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Intelligence Analyst
- Journalist
- Government
- International Organizations
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Think Tanks
- Media
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Evolution of the Modern International System
Unit 2: The Transitional International System (1789-1945)
Requires understanding of complex historical events and their long-term consequences on the international system.
- Module 3: Characteristics of International System
Unit 4: Polarity in the International System
Involves abstract concepts of power distribution and requires critical thinking to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios.
- Module 4: Issues in the Contemporary International System
Unit 3: Terrorism in the International System
Requires synthesis of various theoretical perspectives and understanding of complex global issues.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Understanding the International System
Unit 1: The Definition of the International System · 2 hours
Read the course guide to understand the course objectives and assessment criteria.. Study the definition of the international system and its components.. Identify the key scholars who contributed to the concept of the international system..
- Week 2Module 1: Understanding the International System
Unit 2: The Realist Approach in Understanding the International System · 2 hours
Examine the realist approach and its core assumptions about state behavior.. Discuss the role of power and self-interest in international relations.. Analyze the views of classical and neorealist thinkers..
- Week 3Module 1: Understanding the International System
Unit 3: The Idealist Approach in Understanding the International System · 2 hours
Study the idealist approach and its emphasis on cooperation and international institutions.. Discuss the role of morality and international law in promoting peace.. Compare and contrast liberal idealism, neoliberal idealism, and neoconservatism..
- Week 4Module 1: Understanding the International System
Unit 4: The Idealist versus the Realist Approaches in Understanding the International System · 2 hours
Analyze the key arguments in the debate between realists and idealists.. Examine the historical context of the debate and its relevance to contemporary issues.. Prepare TMA 1 for submission..
- Week 5Module 2: Evolution of the Modern International System
Unit 1: The Classical International System (1648-1789) · 2 hours
Study the characteristics of the classical international system.. Examine the Peace of Westphalia and its impact on the state system.. Discuss the distribution of power and wealth among nation-states..
- Week 6Module 2: Evolution of the Modern International System
Unit 2: The Transitional International System (1789-1945) · 2 hours
Examine the emergence of the transitional international system.. Discuss the impact of the French Revolution and nationalism.. Analyze the actors, distribution of power, and interdependence in the system..
- Week 7Module 2: Evolution of the Modern International System
Unit 3: The Post World War II International System (1945-1989) · 2 hours
Study the distinctive features of the post-World War II international system.. Examine the roles of superpowers and bipolarity.. Discuss the nonalignment movement and its impact..
- Week 8Module 2: Evolution of the Modern International System
Unit 4: The Contemporary International System (1989-Date) · 2 hours
Study the factors leading to the collapse of the postwar system.. Examine the fissures in bipolarity and alliances.. Prepare TMA 2 for submission..
- Week 9Module 3: Characteristics of International System
Unit 1: The Actors in the International System · 2 hours
Identify and discuss the state and non-state actors in the international system.. Explain how states work in the international system.. Examine the roles of IGOs, NGOs, and MNCs..
- Week 10Module 3: Characteristics of International System
Unit 2: Anarchy in the International System · 2 hours
Define anarchy and its implications for the international system.. Discuss the realist and liberal perspectives on anarchy.. Analyze how anarchy shapes state behavior and international relations..
- Week 11Module 3: Characteristics of International System
Unit 3: Interest and the Use of Power in the International System · 2 hours
Define national interest and its role in international politics.. Discuss the relationship between national interest and power.. Analyze the attributes of power in the international system..
- Week 12Module 3: Characteristics of International System
Unit 4: Polarity in the International System · 2 hours
Define polarity and its different forms (multipolar, bipolar, unipolar).. Discuss the characteristics of each type of polarity.. Analyze the implications of polarity for international stability and conflict.. Prepare TMA 3 for submission..
- Week 13Module 4: Issues in the Contemporary International System
Unit 1: The Impact of Globalisation · 2 hours
Define globalization and its major aspects (economic, health, environmental, workforce).. Discuss the impact of globalization on the international system.. Analyze the critiques of globalization and its effects on developing nations..
Unit 2: Collective Security · 2 hours
Define collective security and its major assumptions.. Discuss the evolution of collective security in the international system.. Analyze the relevance and challenges of collective security in promoting world peace..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of key events from the classical to the contemporary international system (Units 5-8).
- Develop concept maps linking realist and idealist perspectives on international relations (Units 2-4).
- Practice essay questions on the impact of globalization and terrorism on the international system (Units 15-16).
- Review definitions of key terms like anarchy, polarity, and national interest (Units 1, 11-12).
- Focus on understanding the roles and functions of international organizations like the UN and NATO (Units 14).
- Prepare summaries comparing and contrasting the different types of international systems (Units 5-8).
- Review all TMAs and SAEs
Questions students ask about this course
What is INR251 about?
This course provides a detailed understanding of the international system, its structures, and evolution from classical to contemporary periods. It explores key concepts such as the balance of power, anarchy, and the role of state and non-state actors. The course examines the realist and idealist approaches, major historical events, and contemporary issues like globalization, collective security, and terrorism. Students will analyze the behavior of nations and interpret relationships among them, developing critical insights into international politics.
How many units does INR251 have?
INR251, Evolution Of Modern International System, has 16 units across 4 modules, over 157 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is INR251?
INR251 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Social Sciences.
Is INR251 hard?
INR251 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does INR251 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 16 units.
How is INR251 assessed?
INR251 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What can I do with INR251?
Diplomat, International Relations Analyst, Policy Advisor, Intelligence Analyst and Journalist.