THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES, MONA

DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT

GOVT2046: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THEORIES AND

APPROACHES

Credits: 3

Semester I 2018/19

Lecturer: Dr. Aieka Smith

Prerequisites: GOVT 1000& 1008
Time: Mondays 4:00-6:00pm, FSS Alister McIntyre Complex, SRl 102
Email: aieka.smith02@uwimona.edu.jm
Office: FSS Alister McIntyre Complex, Block I-Room209
Office Hours: Mondays 10:00 a.m-12:00 noon or by appointment

COURSE OUTLINE

Theory is the centre of gravity of International Relations (Dunne, Kurki & Smith). It helps
us to understand the dynamics of the world we live in. So, for example, what explains the
disparity in wealth between G77 and G20 countries? What does Donald Trump’s
presidency mean for international relations? How does immigration reform affect a
country’s economy? Why did President Obama visit Jamaica in 2015? Why does Jamaica
still borrow from the IMF? Why do countries allow foreigners to observe their elections?
What explains BREXIT? Will things fall apart in CARICOM? Why do states sign treaties?
These are just a few of the issues that we contemplate in our examination of the various
theories and approaches to International Relations.

We cannot avoid engaging in theory in International Relations; there is no hiding place.

Theory is central to the discipline of International Relations. It is theory that distinguishes
the field from the study history, current affairs or journalism and makes the subject area
more than simple descriptive thought. GOVT2046 traces the evolution of theory in IR and

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provides an overview some of the main theoretical approaches from the traditional Idealism
and Realism; to the radical Postmodernism and Feminism; as well as the Neo-Marxist
perspectives of the developing world.

The main purpose of GOVT2046 is to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of how

major scholars, past and contemporary, have theorized about the complexities of
international relations. Theories make propositions which sometimes offer conflicting
perspectives, but also occasionally overlap. Our main task will be to outline, critique,
compare and contrast the assumptions and values which underlie each of these theories and
approaches.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Tutorial presentation/participation – 15%: Unless otherwise stated, tutorial

presentations should be approximately 15 minutes. Participation in tutorials is
mandatory. Good participation goes beyond merely reading a presentation once for the
semester. It requires careful reading of at least the material on the course outline, and
regular meaningful discussion of the topics. Your preparation for and participation in
discussions are central to interesting and productive tutorial sessions. Failure to prepare
and participate in tutorials will result in significantly lower grades. Questions
pertaining to any part of the lectures, readings or any matter related to the course
material are welcome.

Please note the University’s Examination Regulation 25 regarding attendance. It states:

“Any candidate who has been absent from the University for a prolonged period
during the year for any reason other than illness or whose attendance at
prescribed lectures, classes, practical classes, tutorial or clinical instructions has
been unsatisfactory or who has failed to submit essays or other exercises set by
his teachers may be debarred by the relevant Academic Board, on the
recommendation of the relevant Faculty Board, from taking any University
examinations.”

In other words, attendance at tutorials is mandatory.

Mid-semester examination – 25 %. This will be held during normal lecture hours

on a date in October. (TBA)

Final Examination – 60%

PRESCRIBED TEXTS

Baylis, John, Owens, Patricia &Steve Smith The Globalization of World Politics: An
Introduction to International Relations

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Dunne, Tim, Milja Kurki &Steve Smith International Relations Theories: Discipline
and Diversity

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Jackson, Robert & Sorenson, Georg Introduction to International Relations:

Theories and Approaches

Steans, Jill & Lloyd Pettiford International Relations: Perspectives and

Themes

READING LIST

INTRODUCTION /INTERNATIONAL THEORY

(NB: Chapters may vary depending on the edition of the text)

Baylis, Owens &Smith Chapter 1

Burchill& Linklater Theories of International Relations, Chap. 1

Dougherty & Pfaltzgraff Contending Theories of International Relations, Chap. 1

Pevehouse Readings in International Relations Chapter 1

McClelland, Charles A The Function of Theory in International Relations, in

Journal of Conflict Resolution, 1960(OurVLE)

Morgenthau, H. “The Intellectual and Political Functions of theory”

in International Theory ed. by Der Derian

Snyder, Jack One World Rival Theories (OurVLE)

Walt, Stephen M One World, Many Theories(OurVLE)

Wight, M. “Why is there no International Theory” in

International Theory ed. by Der Derian (OurVLE)

THE EARLY STUDY OF IR: UTOPIAN LIBERALISM/IDEALISM; Neoliberal

THOUGHT

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Alekseena, Tatiana Liberalism in a Non-ideal World in Value Inquiry Book
Series. 2016, Vol. 288, p212-228. 17p. (OurVLE)

Baylis, Owens &Smith The Globalization of World Politics Chaps. 7

Burchill& Linklater Chapter 3

Dunne, Kurki & Smith Chapter 4

Griffiths Chapter 2—Hoffman, Haas, Keohane

Jackson & Sorenson Chapters 2 & 4

Keohane& Nye “Transgovernmental relations and international organizations”

in Perspectives on World Politics ed. Little & Smith

Nye, Joseph S Chapters 4, 6, 7 & 8

THE REALIST TRADITION OF IR: REALISM&NEOREALISM

Baylis, John & Steve Smith The Globalization of World Politics Chapters 7 & 9

Carr, E. H. The Twenty Years Crisis

Morgenthau, H. Politics Among Nations

Buzan, Barry “The Timeless Wisdom of Realism”(photocopy)

Burchill& Linklater Chapter 3

Griffiths Chapter 1-Morgenthau, Aaron, Carr, Waltz etc.

Nye, Joseph S Chapters 3 & 5

Rothstein, R. “On the costs of Realism”, Perspectives on World Politics

ed. Little & Smith

Steans& Pettiford Chapter 2

Pevehouse Chapter 2—Power Politics

Vasquez, J. “The Enduring Contributions of Hans J. Morgenthau’s

Politics among Nations” (photocopy)

Viotti& Kauppi International Relations Theory, Chap. 2

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Woods, Ngaire Chapters 4-8

THE VIEW FROM THE SOUTH: MARXIST THEORIES OF IR

Baylis, Smith & Owens Chapter 9

Steans& Pettiford Chapter 3

Thomas & Wilkin Third World on the Periphery of IR (OurVLE)

Weber Chapter 7

Woods, Ngaire Chapter 9

GENDER IN WORLD POLITICS: FEMINISM

Baylis, Smith & Owens Chapter 17 (Gender in IR)

Burchill & Linklater Chapter 7

Dunne, Kurki & Smith Chapter 10

Steans & Pettiford Chapter 5

Bethke Elshtain, J. “Feminist Themes and IR” in Perspectives on World

Politics ed. Little & Smith-Chapter 13

Dougherty & Pfaltzgraff Chapter 4 (5th ed),

Grant “Sources of Gender Bias in IR Theory”

Thorburn& Byron “Gender & IR”, Feminist Review, # 59, Summer 1998

Sylvester, C. Feminist Theory & IR in a Post Modern Era

Steans, J. Gender & IR

Tickner, J. Ann “Hans Morgenthau’s Principles of Political Realism”

in International Theory , Der Derian-Chapter 4

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POST-STRUCTURALISM IN IR: POSTMODERNISM

Baylis , Smith & Owens pp. 238-242

Bleiker, Roland Forget IR Theory (OurVLE)

Burchill & Linklater Chapter 7

Dougherty & Pfaltzgraff pp. 38-40 ( 5th ed.), pp. 35-36 (4th ed.)

Evans, Graham entry under “critical theory/post-modernism”

SOCIAL CONSTRUCTISM

Baylis & Smith Chapter 11 (3rd edition)

Burchill Chapter 9

Griffiths Chapter 3

Jackson, Robert & Sorenson Introduction to International Relations, Chapter 7

Kegley & Wittkpf Chapter 2

Smith, Steve “Reflectivist and constructivist approaches to international

theory”, in Baylis & Smith

Viotti & Kauppi Chapter 3

Weber, Cynthia Chapter 4

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: GREEN THEORY

Dougherty & Pfaltzgraff Chapter 4, (4th ed.), pp.178-180 (5th ed.)

Greene, Owen Chapter 20 “Environmental Issues” in Baylis & Smith

Pevehouse Chapter 11

Steans & Pettiford Chapter 8

Burchill & Linklater Chapter 9 or 11

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 PLEASE CONSULT OURVLE REGULARLY FOR SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS,
COURSE UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.

AYS September 2018

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