IREb1010 Theory of International Relations and European Integration.

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2023
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 8 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
doc. Mgr. Monika Brusenbauch Meislová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Vladan Hodulák, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. Mgr. Monika Brusenbauch Meislová, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Tue 10:00–11:40 U33
Prerequisites (in Czech)
! IRE110 Theory of IR+EU integration && !NOW( IRE110 Theory of IR+EU integration ) && !SEMESTR(1) && !SEMESTR(2)
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The module is conceived to give the students a basic insight into the main theories that emerged during the development of the discipline of International Relations. After the basic introduction to the main concepts in theories of international relations the attention is drawn to those that are embraced as the most important within the discipline of International Relations. Within the lectures, the students are given examples that demonstrate the applicability of the discussed theories to the recent events. The module also presents an overview of both traditional and critical theories and approaches to European integration and their intellectual history. In order to demonstrate today’s relevance of European integration theories, it applies these theories and approaches to current developments, challenges and crises of the European Union. At the same time, the module points out to how these theories and approaches are interrelated with general IR theories.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this course, students should be able to: understand and be able to explain the theoretical background of the International Relations discipline and EU studies and to use acquired knowledge for further analysis of any problem that could be encountered within the discipline.
Syllabus
  • 1) Introduction (Vladan Hodulák)
  • 2) Realism (Vladan Hodulák)
  • 3) Liberalism (Vladan Hodulák)
  • 4) Neorealism and neoliberalism (Vladan Hodulák)
  • 5) Federalism, Functionalism and Neofunctionalism (Monika Brusenbauch Meislová)
  • 6) Liberal Intergovernmentalism (Monika Brusenbauch Meislová)
  • 7) Social constructivism and post-positivist theories (Vladan Hodulák)
  • 8) Marxism and its derivatives (Vladan Hodulák)
  • 9) Institutionalist Approaches (Monika Brusenbauch Meislová)
  • 10) Governance Approaches and Discursive Approaches (Monika Brusenbauch Meislová)
  • 11) Student's presentations I (Vladan Hodulák)
  • 12) Student's presentations II (Monika Brusenbauch Meislová)
  • 13) Student's presentations III (Vladan Hodulák)
Literature
  • SAURUGGER, Sabine. Theoretical approaches to European integration. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan, 2014, x, 294. ISBN 9780230251434. info
  • International relations theories : discipline and diversity. Edited by Steve Smith - Timothy Dunne - Milja Kurki. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013, xxiii, 368. ISBN 9780199696017. info
  • JACKSON, Robert and Georg SØRENSEN. Introduction to international relations : theories and approaches. 5th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013, xxiii, 348. ISBN 9780199694747. info
  • JØRGENSEN, Knud Erik. International relations theory : a new introduction. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010, xv, 272. ISBN 9781403946997. info
  • WIENER, Antje and Thomas DIEZ. European integration theory. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009, xvi, 295. ISBN 9780199226092. info
  • Theories of european integration. Edited by Ben Rosamond. 1st pub. Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2000, xiii, 232. ISBN 0333647173. info
Teaching methods
Due to the character of the module’s content, the class takes place mainly in the form of lectures. Readings serve to broaden and deepen the spectrum of knowledge students acquire during lectures.
There is no attendance policy for the lectures. The students are, however, encouraged to actively participate in the lectures by asking questions since the information delivered there serves as a basis for seminar discussions.
The students have to be present at the seminar during which they are expected to deliver their presentation and peer review.Students are required to a) write a paper and give a presentation on a given topic and b) write a peer review of another group’s paper. This should be done in groups of 2-3 people. The detailed information including the dates, topics and specific instructions on the content of the papers, presentations and peer reviews will be made available in a dedicated document in the study materials of the course in the information system (IS) of the university during the first week of the semester.
Assessment methods
1. Group paper and presentation (15 points) and peer review of another group’s paper (5 points)
2. The final written examination, maximum 30 points.
The final grade will be determined by the result of the written exam (max 40 points):
“A” grade 46-50 points
“B” grade 42-45 points
“C” grade 38-41 points
“D” grade 34-37 points
“E” grade 30-33 points
“F” grade fewer than 29 points
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Information on course enrolment limitations: This course is not available for exchange students.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
Teacher's information
The detailed syllabus will be available in the course-related instructions in the IS of the university.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2024, Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2023, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2023/IREb1010