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IRG-102 · School of International Relations & Geopolitics

Applied International Relations Theory

Credential: Certificate in Applied International Relations Theory

Course outline

Module 1: Foundations of IR Theory5 items
  1. 1.1What Is a Theory?video
  2. 1.2Levels of Analysisvideo
  3. 1.3Evidence, Causation, and Competing Explanationsvideo
  4. 1.4From Research Questions to Policy Problemsvideo
  5. 1.5Foundations and Levels of AnalysisAssessment
Module 2: Realism and the Politics of Power5 items
  1. 2.1Classical Realismvideo
  2. 2.2Structural Realismvideo
  3. 2.3Defensive and Offensive Realismvideo
  4. 2.4Alliances, Balancing, and the Security Dilemmavideo
  5. 2.5Realist Analysis of a Security CaseAssessment
Module 3: Liberalism, Institutions, and Interdependence5 items
  1. 3.1Domestic Preferences and Representationvideo
  2. 3.2Liberal Institutionalismvideo
  3. 3.3Economic Interdependence and Vulnerabilityvideo
  4. 3.4Democratic Peace: Mechanisms and Limitsvideo
  5. 3.5Designing and Evaluating CooperationAssessment
Module 4: Constructivism, Identity, and Norms5 items
  1. 4.1Social Meaning and State Interestsvideo
  2. 4.2Identity, Memory, and Threat Perceptionvideo
  3. 4.3Norm Emergence, Diffusion, and Contestationvideo
  4. 4.4Legitimacy, Reputation, and Policy Changevideo
  5. 4.5Identity and Norms in a DisputeAssessment
Module 5: Critical Perspectives and Global Inequality5 items
  1. 5.1Marxist Approachesvideo
  2. 5.2Dependency and World-Systems Theoryvideo
  3. 5.3Postcolonial and Decolonial Perspectivesvideo
  4. 5.4Feminist International Relationsvideo
  5. 5.5Comparing Critical ExplanationsAssessment
Module 6: International Society, Order, and Justice5 items
  1. 6.1The English Schoolvideo
  2. 6.2Sovereignty, Diplomacy, and Shared Rulesvideo
  3. 6.3Pluralism and Solidarismvideo
  4. 6.4Humanitarian Crises and Competing Principlesvideo
  5. 6.5Evaluating Order and JusticeAssessment
Module 7: Foreign Policy and Decision-Making5 items
  1. 7.1Rational Actor Modelsvideo
  2. 7.2Bureaucratic Politics and Organizational Processvideo
  3. 7.3Political Psychologyvideo
  4. 7.4Domestic Coalitions and Two-Level Negotiationsvideo
  5. 7.5Explaining a Foreign Policy DecisionAssessment
Module 8: Comparative Theory and Policy Application5 items
  1. 8.1Comparing Theories Against the Same Evidencevideo
  2. 8.2Integrating Levels of Analysisvideo
  3. 8.3From Explanations to Options and Scenariosvideo
  4. 8.4Theory-Informed Paper and Briefingvideo
  5. 8.5Integrated Case AnalysisAssessment

How you complete this course

  • Each module ends with an assessment. Score 80% or higher to unlock the next module.
  • After all modules: an applied final project and a proctored final examination.
  • Your progress is saved automatically, and you get reminders before deadlines.