UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

FACULTY OF ARTS AND LETTERS

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

COURSE TITLE : INTRO TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

COURSE NUMBER : POL 281
CREDIT UNITS : 3
CONTACT HOURS : 3 hours/week lecture
COURSE PLACEMENT : None
PRE-REQUISITES : None
COURSE FACILITATOR :
CONSULTATION PLACE/TIME : MWF 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
EMAIL :
COURSE DESCRIPTION This course deals with the basic landscape of the field of international relations (IR), while exploring its recurring central
questions, diverse approaches, concepts, and competing as well as complementing theories. The aim of the course is to
define the contours of IR, how theories informed and continue to inform the field, its recurrent questions, and existing
answers to them. More generally, the course should provide students with a basic toolkit with which to evaluate existing
theories, construct new theories, and think about the nature and possibility of causal explanation in IR. A large part will
be devoted to the many areas and strategies of cooperation and competition all the while accounting for factors that
mitigate or intensify their conduct. We conclude by summoning into discussion the recent developments in the field that
widens both its theoretical scope as well as empirical implications.
APPROVED BY : PROF. MICHAEL ANTHONY C. VASCO, Ph.D.
Dean
DATE OF APPROVAL :
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Department of Social Sciences’
Intended Learning Outcomes
Through the Social Science Department, students
are expected to be able to:
Show expertise in the competencies necessary to
the practice of the profession.
Demonstrate the capacity of leadership and team
work including the ability to motivate others to be
responsible and reliable.
Develop new knowledge and understanding that
will contribute to nation-building and sustainable
development through the processes of inquiry,
research and innovation.
Uphold Catholic values and moral principles
reflective of a competent, committed and
compassionate Thomasian in the formation of
humanely progressive and healthy society.
Develop effective communication competencies
through interpersonal skills and utilize information
technology responsibly as an effective tool in
exploring and expressing ideas.
Program Intended
Learning Outcomes
It is expected that an Arts and Letters Political
Science student will be able to:
Demonstrate mastery of both knowledge and skills
essential to various areas of the political science
profession.
Become stimulators of civic society and social
capital formation in the community.
Formulate sound and implementable solutions to
socio-political issues of the times, based on the
principles of right and justice.
Apply reason and responsible action in participating
in either bottom-up or top-bottom political
processes to become social examples in the
community.
Make use of established networks and social
mobilization to advocate policies that uphold the
common good and oppose those that perpetuate
social and political wrongs.
Course Intended
Learning Outcomes
It is expected that, after the course, the student will
be able to:
1. Identify the major theoretical traditions and
historical legacies that collectively inform
explanations on international processes.
2. Explain how these major theoretical
traditions and historical legacies approach
competitive and cooperative strategies
between and amongst state and non-state
actors
3 Analyse the intersection between history
and international politics in accounting for
external actors
4 Synthesize the layered interaction between
states, economies and peoples.
5. Appraise the competing explanations for the
rise of modern ideas, institutions and
interests in the course case lectures.
6. Research on the causal and correlational
link between contemporary events and the
past as well as the theory and practice of
domestic and systemic informed nexus.
7. Apply in their professional endeavour the
same academic rigor pursued in the course.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Assessment
Intended Learning Outcomes Content Teaching- Learning Activities
Tasks
Define the field and identify its I. Introduction: The Approach to the Study Lecture Quiz
contours to the field of study. A. Levels of Analysis Text Reading Recitation
B. Transnational Actors and the IR Environment Roundtable Discussion
(See References Section for reading
requirements.)
Outline the many theoretical and II. History of International Relations Lecture Integrative
historical factors that are usually A. Pre-Westphalia system of States Text Reading Paper I/
summoned into discourse. B. Westphalian System of Sovereign National State Debate or Roundtable Discussion
C. World Wars (See References Section for reading
D. Cold War requirements.)
E. Post-Cold War Powers
Differentiate the ideas that underlie III. Introduction to international Theory Lecture Quiz
(basic assumptions) in the A. Theories Text Reading Recitation
formation and maintenance of state  Realism Roundtable Discussion
and non-state relations as  Institutionalism Model Diplomacy Exercise
foundations in writing an  Liberalism (See References Section for reading
International Relations Paper.  Constructivism requirements.)
 The English School
 Critical Approaches
B. Classical Theorists
Construct models of behaviors to IV. Realist International Behavior/Politics Lecture Quiz
analyse of international relations A. "A Realist Theory of International Politics" Panel Type Discussion Recitation
actors using realist theory. B. "Political Power" Film Viewing Seatwork
C. "The Balance of Power" Library Research Conceptual
D. Concepts Article Analysis design map
Anarchy Text Reading
Sovereignty Chapter Summary
Counterfactual Argumentation
Construct models of behaviors to V. Liberal international Politics Lecture Quiz
analyse of international relations A. Perpetual Peace Panel Type Discussion Recitation
actors using liberal theory. B. Liberalism and World Politics Film Viewing Seatwork
C. The Rise and Future Demise of the World Library Research Conceptual
 Capitalist System Article Analysis design map
Text Reading
Chapter Summary
Counterfactual Argumentation
Construct models of behaviors to VI. Institutional International Politics Lecture Quiz
analyse of international relations A. Sovereignty Panel Type Discussion Recitation
actors using institutional theory. B. The Clash of Civilizations Film Viewing Seatwork
C. War as an Instrument of Policy Text Reading Conceptual
D. Cooperation Under the Security Dilemma Roundtable and Debate design map

Differentiate methods of peaceful VII. International Law Lecture Integrative

and forcible sanctions as A. States and Treaties Panel Type Discussion Paper II/
consequences to states entering B. Peaceful and Forcible Sanctions Film Viewing
into treaties. Text Reading
Roundtable and Debate
Hypothesize the probable VIII. Current Issues in International Relations Lecture Quiz
trajectory of international relations A. From Just War to False Peace Panel Type Discussion Debates
as can be observed in current B. Command of the Sea: An Old Concept Film Viewing
international politics. Resurfaces in a New Form Text Reading
C. The United Nations Roundtable and Debate
Discuss the major cornerstones of
modern International Relations and
apply the Thomasian and
professional ethic

REFERENCES
Main Readings:

International Relations, Principal Theories - Slaughter (2011)

http://www.princeton.edu/~slaughtr/Articles/722_IntlRelPrincipalTheories_Slaughter_20110509z
 http://www.afes-press.de/pdf/Hague/Brauch_Worldviews.pdf

"A Realist Theory of International Politics", "Political Power", "The Balance of Power" - Morgenthau (Politics Among Nations)

https://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjryYmI_MfOAhXEn5QKHd6UAEsQFggcMAA&url=http%3A%
2F%2Fstatic1.1.sqspcdn.com%2Fstatic%2Ff%2F1385000%2F21639490%2F1358198233217%2F327ESSEssentialReadingsI&usg=AFQjCNH4usYfEltOL89yIqbGgx3SIL_j1A&si
g2=DXwdyf-HYZUqIjDxhfHwnA

Perpetual Peace - Immanuel Kant (Sections 1 and 2)

http://www.earlymoderntexts.com/assets/pdfs/kant1795_1.pdf

Liberalism and World Politics - Doyle (same link as Morgenthau)

The Rise and Future Demise of the World Capitalist System - Wallerstein (same link as Morgenthau)

Sovereignty - Krasner (same link as Morgenthau)

The Clash of Civilizations - Huntington

http://users.metu.edu.tr/utuba/Huntington.pdf

War as an Instrument of Policy - Clausewitz (same link as Morgenthau)

Cooperation Under the Security Dilemma - Jervis (same link as Morgenthau)

From Just War to False Peace - Delahunty and Yoo (2012)

http://scholarship.law.berkeley.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3192&context=facpubs

Command of the Sea: An Old Concept Resurfaces in a New Form - Rubel (2012)

https://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/e7dabb3b-333d-4af1-8eb3-b98d311c470d/Command-of-the-Sea--An-Old-Concept-Surfaces-in-a-N

Other Sources:
Art, R. (1980). To What Ends Military Power. International Security, 4-35.
Art, R. (1996). American Foreign Policy and the Fungibility of Force. Security Studies, 7-42.
Daalder, I., & Lindsay, J. (2007). Democracies of the World, Unite. The American Interest, 5-15.
Dobbins, J. (2005). Nation-Building: UN Surpasses U.S. on Learning Curve. RAND Review, 24-29.
Doyle, M. (1983). Kant, Liberal Legacies, and Foreign Affairs. Philosophy and Public Affairs, 205-232.
Gilpin, R. (1975). The Nature of Political Economy. In R. Gilpin, U.S. Power and the Multinational Corporation (pp. 20-44). Basic Books.
Hardin, G. (1968). The Tragedy of the Commons. Science, 1243-1267.
Hiscox, M. (2005). The Domestic Sources of Foreign Economic Policies. In J. Ravenhill, Global Political Economy (pp. 51-54, 57-62, 65-68). Oxford University
Press.
Hoffman, B. (1998). What is Terrorism. In B. Hoffman, Inside Terrorism (pp. 13-44). Columbia University Press.
Howard, R., & Donnelly, J. (1987). Human Rights in World Politics. In J. Donnelly, & R. Howard, International Handbook of Human Rights (pp. 79-106).
Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc.
Huntington, S. (1993). The Clash of Civilizations. Foreign Affairs, 22-49.
Ikenberry, G. J. (2008). Rising Powers and Global Institutions. The Century Foundation, Inc.
Jervis, R. (1978). Cooperation Under the Security Dilemma. World Politics, 186-214.
Jervis, R. (2002). Theories of War in an Era of Leading-Power Peace: Presidential Address. American Political Science Review, 1-14.
Kaufmann, C. (1996). Possible and Impossible Solutions to Ethnic Civil Wars. International Security, 136-175.
Keck, M., & Sikkink, K. (1998). Transnational Activist Networks. In M. Keck, & K. Sikkink, Activists Beyond Borders: Advocacy Networks in International Politics
(pp. 8-24). Cornell University Press.
Keohane, R. (1998). International Institutions: Can Interdependence Work? Foreign Policy, 82-94.
Kinsella, D., Russet, B., & Starr, H. (2013). World Politics The Menu for Choice. Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Mallaby, S. (2004). NGOs: Fighting Poverty, Hurting the Poor. Foreign Policy, 51-58.
Mansbach, R., & Taylor, K. (2012). Introduction to Global Politics. New York: Routledge.
Mearsheimer, J. (2001). Anarchy and the Struggle for Power. In J. Mearsheimer, Tragedy of Great Power Politics (pp. 29-40, 46-53). W. W. Norton & Company,
Inc.
Moravcsik, A. (2005). Europe Without Illusions. Prospect.
Oye, K. (n.d.). Explaining Cooperation under Anarchv: Hypothesis and Strategies. World Politics, 1-22.
Pape, R. (2003). The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism. American Political Science Review, 343-361.
Ratner, S. (1998). International Law: The Trials of Global Norms. Foreign Policy, 65-75.
Roberts, A. (1993). The United Nations and International Security. Survival The IISS Quarterly, 3-30.
Rodrik, D. (2001). Trading in Illusions. Foreign Policy, 54-62.
Rotberg, R. (2003). Failed States, Collapsed States, Weak States: Causes and Indicators. In R. Rotberg, State Failure and State Weakness in a Time of Terror.
(pp. 1-29). World Peace Foundation and the Brookings Institution Press.
Sagan, S. (2003). Indian and Pakistani Nuclcar Weapons: For Better or Worse. In S. Sagan, & K. Waltz, The Spread of Nuclear Weapons (pp. 90-108). W.W.
Norton & Company, Inc.
Schelling, T. (1966). The Diplomacy of Violence. In T. Schelling, Arm and Influence (pp. 1-34). Yale University.
Slaughter, A. M. (2004). A New World Order. In A. M. Slaughter, Government Networks and Global Governance. 18-23, 261-211: Princeton University Press.
Walt, S. (1987). The Origins of Alliances. In S. Walt, Alliances: Balancing and Bandwagoning (pp. 17-21, 27-32). Cornell University Press.
Waltz, K. (1979). The Anarchic Structure of World Politics. In K. Waltz, Theory of International Politics (pp. 79-106). McGraw-HIll Companies.
Waltz, K. (1999). Globalization and Governance. PS: Political Science & Politics, Cambridge University Press.
Waltz, K. (2003). Indian and Pakistani Nuclear Weapons: For Better or Worse. In S. Sagan, & K. Waltz, The Spread of Nuclear Weapons (pp. 109-124). W.W.
Norton & Company, Inc.
Wendt, A. (1992). Anarchy Is What States Make of It: The Social Construction of Power Politics. International Organization, 391-425.
Williams, P. (2002). Transnational Organized Crime and the State. In The Emergence of Private Authority in Global Governance (pp. 161-181). Cambridge
University Press.

GRADING SYSTEM:

Final Grade = Prelim Grade (50%) + Final Period Grade (50%)

Prelim Grade = Average Prelim OBE’s (60%) + Prelim Exam (40%)

Final Period Grade = Average Final Period OBE’s (60%) + Final Exam (40%)

COURSE POLICIES:

1. Regular attendance is expected. In case of failure to attend the class session due to unavoidable circumstances, you are responsible for making up for any
work missed and must present appropriate documents to be granted excuse (letters from parents/guardian, medical certifications).
2. Report to class on time and stay during entire class session.
3. Feel free to come and consult with me regarding problems in assigned tasks.
4. Observe proper classroom decorum and exercise initiative to maintain cleanliness of your immediate area.
5. Active participation is expected in every session.
6. In-class activities must be accomplished in class.
7. Extended out of class written activities must be computerized, and must follow the standard format.
8. Unsubmitted requirements will not be accepted after the grace period.
9. Observe strictly the schedule for submission of all out of class assignments.
 10. All course requirements are to be submitted in the classroom and submitted on-time, unless changes are announced by the professor.
11. All research must be properly documented following APA citation format. Plagiarized works merit a failed course grade on second offense (first offense get
a warning along with a chance to resubmit gaining a 15 pt. deduction from its raw score).
12. Cheating during quizzes and exams will merit a failed score for the said evaluation.
13. Deadline of completion if there are INC final grades due to uncontrollable circumstances is on the last weekday of class of the 2nd week of the following
term.
14. Interact and communicate with your professor appropriately. Contact only during appropriate hours.

OFFICIAL FORMAT FOR PAPERS

1. Times New Roman, 12 pts, 1.5 spacing, justified paragraphs. 1.5 right margin, 0.5 left margin.
2. No cover page
3. First three (3) lines must display:
Student Number: Date:
Section: Professor: (Full Name)

TENTATIVE COURSE CALENDAR:

WEEK CONTENT
1 Introduction: The Approach to the Stud
2 History of International Relations
3-4 Introduction to international Theory
5 Realist International Behavior/Politics
6-7 Liberal international Politics
8-9 Institutional International Politics
10 PRELIMINARY EXAMS
11-13 International Law
14-17 Current Issues in International Relations
18 FINAL EXAMS