This module deepens students' understanding of International Relations theory, and introduces them to the discipline's current theoretical debates. It includes a critical appraisal of traditional International Relations theories, an overview of the current theoretical debate in the discipline, an in-depth discussion of some of central problems and themes in this debate, and a reflection on the consequences of this debate for specific study areas, such as Foreign Policy Analysis or Security Studies.

• Discuss and appraise the main theories of International Relations, and select a theoretical position to do so.
• Differentiate between various critical and constructivist approaches to the analysis of international politics, and asses their relevance.
• Analyse a particular problem of internal politics in a theoretically consistent manner.