Power, Order, and Conflict in International Politics, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• Political Science or other relevant main field of study, 30 ECTS credits, basic course, with at least 22.5 ECTS credits passed or equivalent.
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6).
  Exemption from Swedish.

Intended learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• describe and critically discuss different concepts, theories and methodological approaches in the study of international power, order and conflict.
• independently analyze historical and contemporary international conflicts
• reflect critically and independently on the central concepts and theories of the field in terms of merits and limitations.

Course content

The course covers various principles of international order: from notions of power balance to theories of international norm formation and institutions. The course explores how and why international conflicts evolve and are resolved depending on the prevailing international order. The theoretical placement of this order on a scale between a pronounced anarchic system and a developed international society is discussed. Forms and expressions of international power are discussed from a historical perspective. Specific examples of international conflicts are analyzed to provide deeper insights into the challenges of international power and order. The course addresses both structural and actor-oriented perspectives.

Teaching and working methods

This course will be delivered by means of lectures and seminars. Homework and independent study are necessary complements to the teachings. 

Examination

The course is concluded with:

• a written examination, which is graded. 
• active participation in seminars (pass/fail). 

Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department