Class Introduction to International Relations

This CU aims to help students deepen their understanding of IR, leading them to question (pre)concepts relating to international phenomena. It discusses the main theoretical debates in IR, the context of its development, its main concerns, and how these relate to its empirical dimension, both historical and contemporary. It seeks to provide a set of perspectives/tools at their disposal, preparing them for a critical and sustained analysis of international phenomena, stimulating research based on themes and cases within the framework of IR, and promoting reasoned debate and thematic discussion with a critical sense.

Not applicable

1. Introduction - Nature, object and methodology of the discipline - Origins of International Relations - Essential concepts in International Relations 2. The History of International Relations  - Empires and International Society - The 20th century and the post-Cold War era - Globalization and the evolution of international society   3. Theories of International Relations - Classical theories - Contemporary approaches and debates   4. Fundamental issues in contemporary IR - International terrorism  - Religion in IR: a clash of civilizations? - The environment  - New patterns of war and peace: Changes in statehood

Debates, simulations and written exercises in class will be a driving force of the methodologies supporting the teaching-learning process. Lectures and/or study visits, with reports, will bring students closer to the tasks they will perform in their future professions.

Baylis, J., Smith, S., Owens, P. (2022). The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations. 9ª Edição, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Devetak, R., George, J., Percy, S. (eds.) (2017). An Introduction to International Relations. 3ª Edição, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Grieco, J., Ikenberry, G. J., Mastanduno, M. (2022). Introduction to International Relations: Perspectives, Connections and Enduring Questions. 3ª Edição, Londres: Bloomsbury Academic. Jackson, R., Sørensen, G. (2013). Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches. 5ª Edição, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Young, J. e Kent, J. (2020) International relations since 1945. 3ª Edição, Oxford: Oxford University Press.