Seminar in International Relations

Political Science 530,
Public Affairs & Policy 630

Portland State University, Fall 2012

David Kinsella
Hatfield School of Government
Office: Urban Center Building, room 650K
Phone: 503.725.3035    Email: kinsella@pdx.edu
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday 11:30-12:30

Description

This graduate seminar surveys the main theoretical and analytical approaches encountered in the study of international relations (IR). Our primary emphasis will be on topics related to international security. We delve into a few topics in international political economy, but much fuller examinations of IPE are offered in other seminars. This course covers much of the same substantive ground as Contemporary Theories of World Politics (PS 542), but is structured around a different and more extensive reading list and is conducted in seminar rather than lecture format.

The first part of the course covers scholarship representative of two long-standing theoretical traditions in international relations, and one relatively new one: realism, liberalism, and constructivism. We then examine some analytical issues relevant to theory and research in the field, including the application of the rational choice framework. Next we turn to competing perspectives on international ethics: who are the holders of rights and obligations in international society? Finally , we consider some of the wide-ranging critiques of mainstream international relations -- both theory and practice -- offered by contemporary critical thinkers.

The organization of topics is both thematic and chronological -- thematic in that each week's reading and discussion focuses on a particular perspective, tradition, or approach in international relations; chronological in that competing approaches have often unfolded in critical response to scholarship of the previous generation.

Learning Objectives

The general objective of this course is to develop the student's capacity to critically examine theoretical propositions about international relations, consider the applicability of IR theory to real problems in contemporary world affairs, and communicate this analysis to others. This is to be accomplished by exposing students to a body of literature encompassing both positive and normative theory, as well as alternative approaches to research. By the end of the term, students should be able to:

• demonstrate mastery of the main theoretical approaches to the study of world politics;
• interpret historical and contemporary issues using appropriate analytic frameworks; and
• articulate normative positions on some key ethical dilemmas in international relations.

Requirements and Evaluation

In this course, the main workload consists of assigned reading. Assignments should be read carefully prior to the session for which they are scheduled. As this is a seminar, participation in class discussion is important to the success of the course and everyone is expected to contribute (20 percent of your course grade). During the term, you are required to  make one brief presentation on an additional reading to be assigned and write two short analytic papers (15 percent each). The latter are to be critical reviews of the readings assigned for the week (5-6 pages), and are due at the beginning of class. You may choose any two weeks. The remaining 50 percent of your grade will be based on a take-home final exam distributed on the last day on class.

Readings

Journal articles are available electronically through the PSU library; other assigned readings are available at the front desk for the School of Government (650 URBN). For those who are interested in background or integrative reading material, there are several options. James E. Dougherty and Robert L. Pfaltzgraff provide probably the most comprehensive survey in their Contending Theories of International Relations (5th ed., 2000). Fairly sophisticated introductory discussions of the main theoretical traditions as well as contemporary approaches can be found in Scott Burchill, et al., Theories of International Relations (4th ed., 2009). In Political Theories of International Relations (1998), David Boucher grounds his discussion of modern IR theory in landmark works of political philosophy and theory, as does Michael W. Doyle in his Ways of War and Peace: Realism, Liberalism, and Socialism (1997). An excellent survey of normative IR theory is Molly Cochran, Normative Theory in International Relations: A Pragmatic Approach (1999). For a historical overview of the field's development, see Torbjorn L. Knutsen, A History of International Relations Theory (2nd ed., 1997). Finally, those looking for a advanced-level undergraduate textbook may want to consult David Kinsella, Bruce Russett, and Harvey Starr, World Politics: The Menu for Choice (10th ed., 2013).
 

CLASS SCHEDULE

• E. H. Carr, The Twenty Years' Crisis, 1919-1939, 2nd ed. (1945), chaps. 1-6.
• Kenneth N. Waltz, Theory of International Politics (1979), chaps. 1, 4-6.
• John J. Mearsheimer, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (2001), chaps. 1-2, 9-10.
• Charles L. Glaser, "The Security Dilemma Revisited," World Politics (October 1997): 171-201.
• Gideon Rose, "Neoclassical Realism and Foreign Policy," World Politics (October 1998): 144-172.