"Intergovernmental Excellence in Online Learning" | www.euclid.int | Responsive site at m.euclid.int
EUCLID seal  

 
 
 
  arrow EUCLID News and Events
  arrow Legal Status and Degree Authority
  arrow Available Degree Programs
  arrow Scholarship Programs
  arrow Register Now for a EUCLID Program
  arrow Admission and Enrollment Policies

 

 

Course Details with Online Syllabus:
DIP-413: International Relations + Fifty Key Thinkers in IR

 
DETAILED COURSE INFORMATION WITH SYLLABUS | ONLY FOR ARCHIVE PURPOSES (LEGACY STATUS SINCE 2015)
Course Code DIP-413
Course Name International Relations + Fifty Key Thinkers in IR
EUCLID Image
US Credits (USCH) 4
ECTS 4 x 1.5 - 1.7 (see Academic Standards)
Main Prerequisite None
Regular Instructor / Assigned Faculty (responsible for student interaction, validation and grading of student assignments, constructive feedback, oral examinations)

Roberto Rodriguez

Note: see biography under Faculty Profiles

Faculty Coordinator (responsible for entry and exit coordination and interfacing between student and instructor(s))

Laurent Cleenewerck

Note: see biography under Administration

Syllabus Specialist (responsible for maintaining syllabus database and implementation of revised standards)

Ghebrehiwet Ghebremedhin

Note: see biography under Administration

Language for this course code E

General Concepts and Guidelines:

It is important to note that EUCLID functions under an intergovernmental mandate to deliver programs of higher education that conform to international standards and that are fully documented (Statutes IX). Accordingly, a standard 3 USCH course,which is at least equivalent to 4.5 ECTS, represents a number of classroom instruction hours equivalent to 3 x 12.5 = 37.5 hours (lower base line) – 3 x 14 = 42 hours (higher base line).

Even in the case of courses for which lectures (audio / video) are available to cover the entirety of the material, reading assignments are mandatory.

In the case of courses that are primarily delivered by means of reading assignments, EUCLID considers that a standard 3 USCH course should correspond to approximately 600-800 pages of intense, directly relevant readings. This is consistent with generally accepted standards applicable to the USCH and ECTS systems. Moreover, EUCLID favors full textbooks over compiled chapters from heterogeneous sources.

For practical and organizational reasons, this study workload is structured in the format of one semester (about 15 weeks). This logical ‘semester’ is organized in 7 periods of ‘2 weeks’ each, the last one being a buffer and final study period. Because EUCLID has a primary mandate to serve busy government officials for its Participating States, these periods are presented as a structured approach rather than as an enforced set of deadlines. In practice, then, a student may take more or less than 14 weeks to complete the course because the intention is not to reproduce an actual semester but rather to offer a logical breakdown of the course over a flexible span of time.

In all cases, all the assignments must be submitted, approved and graded for the course to be completed.

It must be noted that EUCLID guidelines require that a comprehensive oral examination take place upon completion of all other assignments in order for the final grade to be posted and for the course to be formally completed.

See also: Academic Standards

How to Use this Syllabus:

This standardized syllabus is your study guide for this course.

Most EUCLID courses require the sequential reading of the textbooks (and other materials) listed below. By “reading,” we do not mean mere casual reading but rather intense studying with an effort to memorize (highlighting with comments and taking notes is highly recommended).

The “Course Materials” may include textbooks as well as other types of resources including MP3 downloads, webcasts, compiled PDFs, etc.

It is the responsibility of the student to obtain the Course Materials. In most cases, the resources requires for the course are available from the EUCLID online library.

Once you have completed the reading of the course materials, you must contact your course instructor or coordinator to discuss the proposed theme of the required major paper(s).

Even though the quiz assignment is sometimes considered or listed after the major papers, it is advisable to complete this assignment prior to starting work on the paper(s).

For each quiz questions, do not forget to provide a footnote reference to where (text, page) the correct answer can be found. Remember that the instructor will evaluate your ability to create intelligent questions spanning all required textbooks, offer plausible answers, and properly footnote the textbook reference.

For the paper(s), do not forget that you must comply with all ACA-401 guidelines and requirements. Always refer to the latest Word template and ACA-401 checklist which can be found on the Egnyte Platform.

Student Responsibilities:

  • Read (study) all reading assignments carefully and intensely in order to be able to memorize, re-express, inter-relate and engage the information provided.
  • Write biweekly short reaction papers (“journals”) on the assigned readings, not longer than two single-spaced pages.
  • Write 1 or 2 (as directed) high quality, publishable major papers that meet ACA-401 guidelines and that provide several properly formatted citations to the textbooks.
  • Create a quiz that demonstrates your ability to create intelligent questions with plausible answers, and provide footnotes to the correct answers.
  • Prepare carefully for the final oral examination by re-reading the required textbooks. This is not an open book exam and you should have memorized the key terms and concepts in order to be able to offer a professional articulation and presentation when examined by the instructor.

General Course Description:

Course Objectives:

This course combines "International Relations Theory + Fifty Key Thinkers in IR" as a vision to provide students with a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of international relations (IR) and an appreciation of the contributions made by key thinkers in the field. The main course outcomes are: (1) Comprehensive Understanding of IR Theories: Students will gain a thorough understanding of major international relations theories, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, feminism, and post-colonialism. They will learn about the historical context, core assumptions, key concepts, and criticisms of each theory, enabling them to assess and apply these theories to global issues critically. (2) Familiarity with Key Thinkers and Their Contributions: Students will become familiar with the life, work, and intellectual legacy of fifty key thinkers in international relations, understanding how their ideas have shaped the field. This includes not only foundational figures but also contemporary scholars who have contributed to evolving debates within IR. (3) Critical Analysis of Theoretical Perspectives: Students will develop the ability to critically analyze various theoretical perspectives, comparing and contrasting their approaches to understanding international phenomena. They will learn to evaluate the strengths and limitations of different theories in explaining historical and contemporary events in world politics. (4) Application of Theories to Global Issues: Students will learn to apply international relations theories and the ideas of key thinkers to analyze and interpret global issues, such as conflict, cooperation, diplomacy, international development, and global governance. This includes understanding how theory can inform policy-making and international practice. (5) Development of Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: Through engagement with complex theoretical material and the ideas of influential thinkers, students will enhance their analytical and critical thinking skills. They will learn to construct well-reasoned arguments, engage with diverse perspectives, and develop nuanced analyses of international relations issues. By the end of the course, students will have a nuanced understanding of the theoretical landscape of international relations, informed by the contributions of key thinkers, equipping them with the conceptual tools to engage with the complexities of global affairs.

Course Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, the student is expected to able to:

This course combines "International Relations Theory + Fifty Key Thinkers in IR" as a vision to provide students with a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of international relations (IR) and an appreciation of the contributions made by key thinkers in the field. The main course outcomes are: (1) Comprehensive Understanding of IR Theories: Students will gain a thorough understanding of major international relations theories, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, feminism, and post-colonialism. They will learn about the historical context, core assumptions, key concepts, and criticisms of each theory, enabling them to assess and apply these theories to global issues critically. (2) Familiarity with Key Thinkers and Their Contributions: Students will become familiar with the life, work, and intellectual legacy of fifty key thinkers in international relations, understanding how their ideas have shaped the field. This includes not only foundational figures but also contemporary scholars who have contributed to evolving debates within IR. (3) Critical Analysis of Theoretical Perspectives: Students will develop the ability to critically analyze various theoretical perspectives, comparing and contrasting their approaches to understanding international phenomena. They will learn to evaluate the strengths and limitations of different theories in explaining historical and contemporary events in world politics. (4) Application of Theories to Global Issues: Students will learn to apply international relations theories and the ideas of key thinkers to analyze and interpret global issues, such as conflict, cooperation, diplomacy, international development, and global governance. This includes understanding how theory can inform policy-making and international practice. (5) Development of Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: Through engagement with complex theoretical material and the ideas of influential thinkers, students will enhance their analytical and critical thinking skills. They will learn to construct well-reasoned arguments, engage with diverse perspectives, and develop nuanced analyses of international relations issues. By the end of the course, students will have a nuanced understanding of the theoretical landscape of international relations, informed by the contributions of key thinkers, equipping them with the conceptual tools to engage with the complexities of global affairs.

Required Readings and Resources:

- International Relations: The Key Concepts (Key Concepts) by Martin Griffiths
- Making Sense of International Relations Theory by Jennifer Sterling-Folker
- Fifty Key Thinkers in International Relations
- The Penguin Dictionary of International Relations (Penguin Reference) by Graham Evans

Supplemental Readings and Resources:

Useful Templates and Resources:

Word Template Use this single-spaced template (DOCX) for Response Papers
Word Template Use this double-spaced template (DOCX) for Major Papers
Quiz Template Use this single-spaced sample (DOCX) for the Quiz
Sample RP This is a sample response paper for ACA-401
Sample MP This is a sample major paper for DIP-401
Checklist This PDF is a checklist to use before submitting a paper

Organization and structure of course studies:

Period 1 (Typically, weeks 1-2)
Reading Assignments International Relations: The Key Concepts (Key Concepts) by Martin Griffiths - pp. 1 to 212 (A-M)
MP3s or Videos N/A
Method of Instruction Reading
Tasks / Assignments Study course material + writing response paper 1
Deliverables Response paper 1

Period 2 (Typically, weeks 3-4)
Reading Assignments International Relations: The Key Concepts (Key Concepts) by Martin Griffiths - pp. 213 to end (N-Z)
MP3s or Videos N/A
Method of Instruction Reading
Tasks / Assignments Study course material + writing response paper 2
Deliverables Response paper 2

Period 3 (Typically, weeks 5-6)
Reading Assignments Making Sense of International Relations Theory by Jennifer Sterling-Folker - Chapter 1 to 6
MP3s or Videos N/A
Method of Instruction Reading
Tasks / Assignments Study course material + writing response paper 3 + Work on first major paper
Deliverables Response paper 3

Period 4 (Typically, weeks 7-8)
Reading Assignments Making Sense of International Relations Theory by Jennifer Sterling-Folker - Chapter 7 to 11
MP3s or Videos N/A
Method of Instruction Reading
Tasks / Assignments Study course material + writing response paper 4
Deliverables Response paper 4 + Submit first major paper

Period 5 (Typically, weeks 9-10)
Reading Assignments Fifty Key Thinkers in International Relations by Martin Griffiths pp.1-144
MP3s or Videos N/A
Method of Instruction Reading
Tasks / Assignments Study course material + writing response paper 5
Deliverables Response paper 5 + Start work on second major paper

Period 6 (Typically, weeks 11-12)
Reading Assignments Fifty Key Thinkers in International Relations by Martin Griffiths pp.145 to end
MP3s or Videos N/A
Method of Instruction Reading
Tasks / Assignments Study course material + writing response paper 6 + Make appointment for interview (final exam)
Deliverables Create quiz (Based on the readings on the three books and other references) + Response paper 6

Period 7 (Typically, weeks 13-14)
Reading Assignments Reviewing all reading materials (catch up on previous readings)
MP3s or Videos N/A
Method of Instruction Reading
Tasks / Assignments Conduct Final Exam (Interview)
Deliverables Submit all assignments due + Course completion

Special Course Comment / Review of Required Assignments to Complete Course:

 


In addition to the short response papers, the standard required assignments are:

Quiz:

The student must create a multiple-choice or missing word quiz with 10 questions, based on the textbook(s), and with footnoted references to the correct answers (with page number in textbook).

A sample is available at http://www.euclid.int/syllabi/quiz.docx  and can also be found on the Egnyte platform under Courses > ACA-401

Major paper(s):

This course requires the presentation of 2 major paper(s) (standard length is 12-24 pages using the MP template which is double-spaced).The theme is the student’s choice, but must be selected and confirmed in consultation with the assigned instructor, and be based on the required study materials.

The major paper(s) must (1) comply with all ACA-401 guidelines (2) make at least 3 properly formatted references to the textbook(s).

Final Examination:

Once the paper(s) and quiz have been submitted, this course is capped by an extensive oral examination and interactive interview conducted by the assigned instructor using web-conferencing technology (WebEx, Skype).

Composite Evaluation and Grading:

  • 10% of the final grade is based on the response papers
  • 60% of the final grade is based on the major paper(s) and quiz
  • 30% of the final grade is based on the final oral exam / closing interview.

Failure to obtain a passing grade on the final oral exam will result in course failure.

Standard grading scale and academic policies apply to this course.

Standard EUCLID Grading Scale:

Even through there is no internationally standardized grading system, EUCLID uses a scale that is fairly standard, namely:

  1. Grades are numeric (0 – 4) and convertible to letters (F – A)
  2. A+ is a novelty and is not used
  3. EUCLID has a strict grading policy and does not engage in ‘grade inflation’
  4. Grading is based on standards, not ranking within the group
  5. Because of (3), 2.35 or C+ is the pass standard for all courses, provided that a full academic review of all grades under 2.5 conclude that the student does meet requirements for graduation.

Numeric grades are converted to letter grades as follows:

Numeric

Letter

Explanation / Standards

4

A

All objectives are fully met

3.7

A-

All objectives are fully met with minor suggestions for improvement

3.5

B++

Rarely used: All objectives are fully met with minor suggestions for improvement

3.35

B+

All objectives are met with specific suggestions for improvement

3

B

Satisfactory output, but improvement are expected to fully meet all the objectives of the program

2.85

Almost B

Rarely used: Satisfactory output, but improvement are expected to fully meet all the objectives of the course(s)

2.75

B-

Passing but less than satisfactory output. Improvements in more than one course standards are expected to fully meet all the objectives of the course(s)

2.5 - 2.35

C+

Minimum passing grade: Improvements are mandated in more than one course standards are expected to fully meet all the objectives of the course(s)

2

C

Failing grade: does not meet mandatory objectives of the course(s)

1.65

C-

Failing grade: does not meet in any way the objectives of the course(s)

0

Fail

Assignment to does meet in any way the objectives of the courses or contains plagiarism / academic violations

 


   

IMPRESSUM:

EUCLID (Pôle Universitaire Euclide |Euclid University):

A treaty-based organization with international liaison and representative offices in New York / Washington DC, Montpellier (France), Berlin (Germany)

International Headquarters: Bangui, C.A.R.; Banjul, The Gambia

Email: [email protected]

Institutional High Steward: President Faustin Touadéra, PhD (Mathematics; Lille, France)

Diplomatic and Academic High Steward: Ambassador Juan Avila, PhD (Education; Fordham, USA)

EXPLORE:

- Online Master's Degree Programs at EUCLID

- Online PhD Degree Programs at EUCLID

- Online MBAs | Islamic Finance | Energy Studies

- Online PhD and Master's in Global Health

- EUCLID Mobile / Responsive Web site

- Why Choose EUCLID?

- Alumni Profiles | References

- Sustainability Programs | IOSD

GLOBAL:

- Participating States

- UN registered charter and statutes

- Participations / Memberships