Political Theory of International Relations

Code: ECN13129M

9 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/234 hours

Scientific Area: Legal-Political Theory and International Relations

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English, French, Spanish

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

This course is an essential instrument of international-political knowledge, as it examines the great visions of the world, theories of globalisation and major interpretations of the future of international relations.

Sustainable Development Goals

Erradicar a pobreza - Acabar com a pobreza em todas as suas formas, em todos os lugares

Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Igualdade de género - Alcançar a igualdade de gênero e empoderar todas as mulheres e meninas.

Trabalho digno e crescimento económico - Promover o crescimento económico sustentado, inclusivo e sustentável, emprego pleno e produtivo, e trabalho decente para todos.

Reduzir as desigualdades - Reduzir as desigualdades dentro dos países e entre eles.

Paz, justiça e instituições eficazes - Paz, justiça e instituições eficazes promover sociedades pacíficas e inclusivas par ao desenvolvimento sustentável, proporcionar o acesso à justiça para todos e construir instituições eficazes, responsáveis
e inclusivas em todos os níveis.

Learning Goals

By the end of the course, students should be able to critically analyse:
a) the evolution of the normative and political structures of the international system,
b) the approahes to International Relations and the main theoretical debates in the discipline,
c) the political challenges faced in an era of paradigmatic transition.

1. International Relations as a political theory.
2. The Western tradition of the Political Theory of International Relations.
3. The main Schools of International Relations: Realism, Liberalism, Marxism.
4. Proposals for synthesis: the English school and international society. Constructivism and the social construction of IR.
5. Critical perspectives on International Relations: Critical Theory, Feminism, Postcolonial and Decolonial Theory.
6. Current debates.

Teaching Methods

The teaching methodology uses three ways to consolidate knowledge and increase student's motivation:
1. Theory-based lectures.
2. Exploring the subject by reading and discussing texts through critical thinking.
3. Development of research and academic writing skills.

Assessment

Continuous assessment:
Students will be required to write an article of up to 5,000 words subject to discussion (60 per cent). Participation in and discussion of compulsory texts will also be assessed (40 per cent).

OR

Final assessment:
Preparation of an article of up to 5,000 words subject to discussion (100 per cent).