International Relations
Duration: Three weeks.
Overview
Start of programme: 1 July 2013
The aim of this course is to provide students with an advanced introduction to the theory and practice of contemporary international relations. The focus is primarily on a set of basic concepts, institutions and practices constitutive of international relations – sovereignty, states, war and so on – as well as some of the major theoretical traditions through which scholars have sought to make sense of international relations and the ways in which these provide us with different accounts of the world. In each case, we will locate the historical context of these theories, show where and how they contribute to an understanding of what international relations is and how it works, and identify their weaknesses and blind spots through application to concrete cases.
By the end of the course, students should expect to have an informed and critical grasp of how international relations works and is understood.
Dates
The summer school will run from Monday 1 July - Friday 19 July 2013.
Social Programme
You will also be able to enjoy our social programme, starting with a welcome party and a river cruise on the Thames. A guided tour of historical Bloomsbury where SOAS is situated will help you find your way around the campus area. You will also receive discount codes for day trips and overnight tours with our partner International Friends once you have registered for one of our courses.
Further details: www.internationalfriends.co.uk.
Fees
Tuition
A tuition fee of £1250 will be charged per 3 week programme. This figure does not include accommodation fees.
Accommodation
A limited number of rooms will be available at International Hall which is located in the heart of Bloomsbury. You will be able to request a place once your application has been approved. Please note that the deadline for confirmation and payment of accommodation will be 17th May 2013, however you are advised to request a room as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The cost for 20 nights from 30 June - 19 July (inclusive) is £800, which includes breakfast every day. Please email sophie.dilley@soas.ac.uk to reserve place.
Application fee
A one-off, non-refundable application fee of £55 will be charged to cover administration costs.
Credits
If you intend to claim credits from your home institution, please check the requirements with them before you enrol. We will be happy to assist you in any way we can, however please be aware that the decision to award credits rests with your home institution.
Courses do not bear any UK credits but they will provide you with between 40–50 hours of face to face contact time, which includes lectures and tutorials, during the 3 week period. Assessment will be optional and will vary for each course. Participants will be provided with a certificate of attendance. Transcripts will be available on request.
Contacts
For more information, please email Sophie Dilley at summerschool@soas.ac.uk
Structure
This course introduces students to the study of international politics as an academic discipline. The focus is primarily on a set of basic concepts, institutions and practices constitutive of international politics – sovereignty, states, war and so on – as well as theoretical traditions through which scholars have sought to make sense of international politics and the ways in which these provide us with different accounts of the world. Each week is divided into three broad topics and combines theoretical overviews, empirical applications and seminar discussions. By the end of the course, students should expect to have an informed and critical grasp of major issues in the study of international politics, both theoretically and empirically.
Assessment: is optional and will be in the form of a 2000-2500 words essay, to be returned by Friday 2nd August at the latest.
Topics:
Week One:
1. Introduction: Studying International Politics
2. States – Real, Quasi, Rogue, Failing – and Sovereignty, North and South
3. Wars – Old, New, Big, Small/ War and Society
Week Two:
4. Liberalism in a Hierarchical World
5. Globalization, Imperialism and Neoliberalism
6. Geopolitical Competition
Week Three:
7. Bananas, Beaches and Bases
8. Environmental politics
9. Explaining Patterns
Structure: The course will run from Monday - Thursday and consist of 30 hours of lectures and seminars, plus around 14 hours of extra activities such as study skills, trips and films throughout the three weeks.
Teaching & Learning
Teaching & Learning
At the end of a course, a student should be able to demonstrate:
- understanding of major themes in the study of international politics
- understanding of theoretical traditions through which international politics has been studied
- understanding of the application of conceptual and theoretical material to empirical analysis
How to Apply
In order to join our Summer School, you will need to meet the following entry requirements:
- Have undertaken a year’s university level study
- A minimum English language requirement if English is not your first language:
- IELTS (www.ielts.org), 7 overall or higher, with at least 6.5 in all subscores.
- iBT 105+ with 22 in all subscores or 100 overall with no less than 25 in writing and no less than 22 in any other subscores.
- Or equivalent.
