World Politics: Advanced Theory and Methodology

Prerequisites

Basic and Intermediate Studies.

Compensations

The compulsory lecture course with exam compensates 2 study points for the study unit M410.

Target group/Course level

Majors in World Politics (Advanced level).

Objectives

The study unit M410 aims to enhance students' theoretical and analytical skills, as well as the ability to apply these skills when doing research. The unit provides students with the skills needed to independently analyse phenomena related to global politics and to write the thesis.

The aim of the course: to deepen students' understanding of some of the most important current theoretical approaches to IR/World Politics, and to critically reflect upon them. The course should also help the participants’ ability to read the required literature of this study unit.

Content

4 Sept To Study World Politics (handouts)

Read:

• MA World Politics Curriculum at HY
• the rough content of the BA theory course (M210)
• IR Theory Website: http://www.irtheory.com/know.htm

9 Sept International Relations: The State of the Discipline (handouts)

Read:

• Brian Schmidt (2007) ‘International Relations Theory: Hegemony or Pluralism’, Millennium 36(2): 105-114.
• Steve Smith, ‘Theoretical Pluralism in IR’, Millennium 36(2): 115-120.

11 Sept Metatheoretical Choices (handouts)

Read:

• Heikki Patomäki and Colin Wight (2000) ‘After Postpositivism? The Promises of Critical Realism’, International Studies Quarterly 44(2): 213-237.
• Fred Chernoff (2002) ‘Scientific Realism as a Meta-Theory of International Relations’, International Studies Quarterly 46(2): 189-207.

16 Sept Theories and Theorists (handouts)

Read:

Theory talk (Wendt + two other interviews): http://www.theory-talks.org/2008/04/theory-talk-3.html

18 Sept Causes and Explanation (handouts)

Read:

• Milja Kurki (2006) ‘Causes of a Divided Discipline: Rethinking the Concept of Cause on International Relations Theory’, Review of International Studies 32(2): 189-216.
• Nina Tannenwald (2005), ‘Ideas and Explanation: Advancing the Theoretical Agenda’, Journal of Cold War Studies, 7(2): 13-42.

30 Sept Policy-oriented research, Predictions and Normative Recommendations (handouts)

Read:

• Johan Eriksson and Bengt Sundelius (2005), ‘Molding Minds That Form Policy: How to Make Research Useful’, International Studies Perspectives 6(1): 51-71.
• Stephen M. Walt (2005), ‘The Relationship Between Theory and Policy in International Relations’, Annual Review of Political Science, 8: 23-48.

2 Oct Rational Choice, Psychology and Emotions (handouts)

Read:

• Tuomas Forsberg, ‘Emotions in Russian Foreign Policy: Causes and Consequences of Anger’, available here

7 Oct Realism, Liberalism and Constructivism (again) (handouts)

Read:

• John Mearsheimer, (2005) ‘Hans Morgenthau and the Iraq War. Realism versus Neo-conservatism’, opendemocracy.com http://mearsheimer.uchicago.edu/pdfs/A0037.pdf
• Andrew Moravscik (1997) ‘Taking Preferences Seriously. A Liberal Theory of International Politics’, International Organization 51(4): 513-533. http://www.princeton.edu/~amoravcs/library/preferences.pdf
• Emanuel Adler ‘Seizing the Middle Ground: Constructivism in World Politics”, European Journal of International Relations, 3(3): 319-363.

9 Oct Rereading Classics (handouts)

Read:

• Richard Little (2005), ‘Rethinking the Dynamics of Balance of Power’, Paper Presented at the Annual Meeting of the International Studies Association, Honolulu, March 5.

http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/0/6/9/3/4/p69346_index.html

[Richard Little (2007), The Balance of Power in International Relations: Metaphors, Myths, and Models. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.]

• Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri (2000) ‘Preface’ and ‘1.1. World Order’ From Empire. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

http://www.angelfire.com/cantina/negri/HAREMI_unprintable.pdf [http://www.angelfire.com/cantina/negri/]

Also in Finnish (2005): Imperiumi. Helsinki: WSOY.

14 Oct Now Hot (handouts)

Read: To be decided during the course.

16 Oct EXAM Exam_questions

Course work and forms of study

Compulsory lecture course (2 credits).

The remaining credits of the study unit M410, i.e. three books: Patomäki, 2 credits, the other compulsory book (Wendt, 2 credits) and a new classic selected from the list mentioned on the study unit page (2 credits) are to be completed in the form of a book exam in a Faculty examination within six months, at the latest, after the date of the course completion.
See the study unit M410 page for dates:

• M410_in_Finnish
• M410_in_English

N.B. The above mentioned completion of a study unit applies to degree taking major and minor students, not to exchange and visiting students unless they wish to take the whole study unit.

Grading

The course work will be graded on a scale from 0 to 5.

Course results and retake

The results of the course will be posted on the notice board of the Department by XX.

The exam retake will be held Mon 12.1. at 16-18, PR sali 1. Prior registration for the exam retake between 11.12.08 - 1.1.2009. in WebOodi. Don't mind if WebOodi informs you that you have already taken the course.

Course evaluation anddevelopment

During the last session, students will have an opportunity to give feedback on the course to the lecturer and to fill in an anonymous evaluation form. During the course feedback can be given anonymously.

When giving feedback, please evaluate the contribution of the teacher, your own contribution, the contributions of other students and the possible contribution of the Department office to the success of the course.