MVZb1015 Theories of International Relations

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 6 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Kateřina Fridrichová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
PhDr. Michal Kořan, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Marek Bičan (seminar tutor)
Mgr. et Mgr. Denis Janšta (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Michal Kořan, 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
Prerequisites (in Czech)
! MVZ105 Theories of International Rel. && !NOW( MVZ105 Theories of International Rel. ) && !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
This course aims at introducing main theories developed during the existence of the discipline of IR. It starts with basic survey of the issues and theories, followed by detailed study of those theories that are most important for the discipline. It goes through liberalism, realism, neoliberalism, neorealism, critical theories and marxist variants (world system theory, feminism), and social constructivism. Students are expected to do assigned readings (and encouraged to read the recommended texts); they are also expected to know content presented during lectures. The lituraure consists of chapters from textbooks and primary texts. Good knowledge of English is required for passing this course.
Learning outcomes
Students will get a good grasp of classical theories of international relations in a historical perspective, supplemented by contemporary issues and debates. Students will strenghten their soft-skills - team work, public speaking and critical thinking.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to the course, requirements, content. 2. Introduction to theories of IR. 3. Classical realism 4. Classical liberalism 5. I. seminar 6. Neoliberalism 7. Nerealism 8. Critical theories, marxims and neomarxism 9. II. seminar 10. Positivism vs. Post-positivism debate 11. Social constructivism 12. Contemporary debates and trends in thinking about international politics 13. III. seminar
Literature
    required literature
  • 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
  • HOLLIS, Martin and Steve SMITH. Mezinárodní vztahy: výklad a porozumění : Explaining and understanding international relations (Orig.) : Teorie mezinárodních vztahů : interpretace a porozumění (Variant.). 1. vyd. Brno: Centrum pro studium demokracie a kultury, 2000, 248 s. ISBN 80-85959-64-X. info
    recommended literature
  • PŠEJA, Pavel. Přehled teorií mezinárodních vztahů (Theories of International Relations: An Overview). Brno: MPU MU, 2005, 160 pp. Studie 36. ISBN 80-210-3837-3. info
    not specified
  • PŠEJA, Pavel, Petr SUCHÝ, Oldřich KRPEC and Zdeněk KŘÍŽ. Moc a zájmy v mezinárodním systému. Procesy, aktéři a problémy v mezinárodních vztazích (Power and Interests in the International System. Processes, Actors, and Issues in the International Relations). Brno: CDK, 2015, 368 pp. ISBN 978-80-7325-409-4. info
  • The Oxford handbook of international relations. Edited by Christian Reus-Smit - Duncan Snidal. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008, xiii, 772. ISBN 9780199585588. info
  • The globalization of world politics : an introduction to international relations. Edited by John Baylis - Steve Smith - Patricia Owens. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005, xxxvii, 81. ISBN 0199271186. URL info
  • DRULÁK, Petr. Teorie mezinárodních vztahů. Vyd. 1. Praha: Portál, 2003, 220 s. ISBN 80-7178-725-6. info
  • FUKUYAMA, Francis. Konec dějin a poslední člověk. Translated by Michal Prokop. Vyd. 1. Praha: Rybka Publishers, 2002, 379 s. ISBN 80-86182-27-4. info
  • HUNTINGTON, Samuel P. Střet civilizací :boj kultur a proměna světového řádu. Vyd. 1. Praha: Rybka Publishers, 2001, v, 447 s. ISBN 80-86182-49-5. info
Teaching methods
Due to the character of the contets of the course the class takes place mainly in the form of lectures. However, this is supplemented by three seminars with compulsory attendance. Students present their group work and discuss it. Readings serve to broaden and deepen the spectrum of knowledge students acquire during lectures.
Assessment methods
Requirements of the Course: Students are required to fill out 10 short multiple-choice and open question quizzes on reading assigned for the lecture, work on group assignment and presentation, and undertake an exam in form of open questions which covers both assigned literature for lecture and exam and the lecture materials.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
Teacher's information
This course is not suitable for first and second semester students.
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