Explore the foundational schools of thought in international relations — realism, liberalism, and constructivism — and examine how they explain cooperation, conflict, and global power dynamics. Learn to apply these frameworks to real empirical case studies to understand real-world events and policy decisions.
Fundamentals and Perspectives of International Relations
This is a Level 1 course from the Politics and International Relations major, part of the Open Bachelor’s programme. It is worth 6 ECTS and takes place in Term 2 in Lisbon.
Course Summary
What drives nations to cooperate or clash on the global stage? This course introduces students to the core theories of international relations – realism, liberalism, and constructivism – while connecting these ideas to current global challenges. Students will investigate the drivers of international conflict and collaboration, exploring issues such as global security, economic interdependence, and the influence of international organisations. Case studies provide concrete examples of how these theories manifest in practice, from trade negotiations to peacekeeping missions. The course also addresses the historical evolution of international relations, offering insights into how past events shape current dynamics. You will develop analytical skills to critically assess global interactions and navigate complex political landscapes. By bridging theory and practice, the course provides a foundation for advanced study in international relations and equips you to engage with the critical issues facing the world today.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
| Description | Mapped to Human Intelligence | |
|---|---|---|
| CLO 1 | Acquire and apply key theories in world politics to help interpret, analyse, and contextualise international relations processes. | CI1 – Learning Agility |
| CLO 2 | Demonstrate an ability to apply fundamental international relations concepts in contemporary global politics | CI4 – Mastery in Knowledge Application |
| CLO 3 | Analyse and effectively communicate the insights from the study of an empirical case study that must be analysed through a international relation theoretical lens. | SEI3 – Effective Communication |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Weighting of Course Grade | Group Assessment? | Invigilated? | CLOs Mapped | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Evaluative – Quiz | 20% | No | Yes | CLO 1 |
| Assessment 2 | Written – Essay | 40% | No | No | CLOs 1 & 2 |
| Assessment 3 | Practical – Case Study | 40% | No | Yes | CLOs 1, 2, 3 |
- Assessment 1 Description: A short quiz administered around the mid-point of the course, designed to assess students’ understanding of foundational concepts and terminology. The quiz provides early diagnostic feedback to help students consolidate core knowledge and identify areas for improvement.
- Assessment 2 Description: A 1500 word essay in which students should critically engage with relevant literature to answer an exam question. Students are encouraged to use AI to help them research and compose the essay, and the grading for the assignment will be significantly weighted on the students’ use of AI which will be assessed and discussed in the academic tutorial.
- Assessment 3 Description: A closed book, invigilated case study that requires students to apply key theories and readings to an unseen scenario in international relations. Students will have formative practice for this assignment in groups during the course before this individual assessment takes place towards the end of the course.
Indicative List
of Topics
Trace the development of the modern international order, from Westphalia to the Cold War and beyond. Understand how historical events and institutions continue to shape current global politics and the distribution of power.
Investigate the causes of war and the conditions for peace through classical and contemporary lenses. Analyse case studies on military intervention, peacekeeping, and global threats such as terrorism and nuclear proliferation.
Examine how international organisations, norms, and regimes influence state behaviour. Assess the effectiveness of institutions like the UN, WTO, and IMF in addressing transnational challenges.
Study how economic and political interdependence affect state autonomy and international cooperation. Explore the tensions between national sovereignty and global governance in areas such as trade, finance, and climate policy.
