Module manager: Dr Adrian Gallagher
Email: A.Gallagher@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is approved as a discovery module
We live in one world but there are many theories which offer competing interpretations of international events. This module offers students advanced training in International Relations Theory (IR) by critically analysing rival theories. As part of which, students will develop critical thinking through assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Furthermore, lectures and seminars will apply these theories to understanding contemporary international developments and in so doing, ask students to consider the relationship between theory and practice at the international level.
Provide students with an advanced training in international relations theories. As a result, students will be able to:
i) understand the utility of theory,
ii) apply theory to contemporary international developments
iii) critical analyse rival theoretical approaches.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the major themes, concepts and debates in the discipline of International Relations
2. Be able to critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each theoretical approach.
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the philosophical and practical issues that underpin the study and practice of International Relations.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Retrieve, organise, and produce complex summaries of international relations theory
5. Assemble complex arguments and assessments of international relations theory and practice and be able to evaluate and criticise the arguments of others.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 179 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 21 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
A formal formative assessment opportunity will be provided for each summative assessment task, which is specifically pedagogically aligned to that task. As part of this, each student will receive feedback designed to support the development of knowledge and skills that will be later assessed in the summative task.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | . | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 28/02/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team