Dates
| weekly | Monday | 12:15 - 13:45 | 06.04.2026 - 10.07.2026 | C 12.102 Seminarraum |
Curriculum context
Organizational information
Registration
Registration ends 07.4.2026 at 23:59 h
If your registration for this course is successful you will registered automatically for the course Introduction to International Relations - V (Tobias Lenz).
Persons
Content
International Relations (IR) is a subfield of political science with a strong theoretical orientation. It includes a wide variety of theoretical approaches that have emerged in response to real-world developments (e.g. the end of the Cold War, 9/11, or the global financial crisis of 2008/09), as well as theoretical and methodological innovations from related fields such as sociology, international law, economics, and political philosophy. Engaging with both “classical” and contemporary theoretical texts is therefore an essential part of a solid education in this field.
This seminar accompanies the English-language lecture “Introduction to International Relations.” While the lecture provides short overviews, we will read and discuss selected theory texts in detail. We will explore key IR concepts, including anarchy and the balance of power, various theoretical perspectives on international politics, and relevant historical developments—especially since World War II—as well as current international issues from a theoretical perspective.
By the end of the seminar, you will be able to:
• Summarize and critically assess key arguments from IR theory literature;
• Read and interpret complex theoretical IR texts and connect them to current international political developments;
• Conduct independent, in-depth studies in IR issue areas using theoretical approaches.
• a 60-minute written exam in the lecture (70% of the final grade), and
• a group presentation in the seminar (30% of the final grade).
Both components must be completed to pass the course.
The group presentation (in groups of 3–4 students) should provide a brief summary of the assigned text and highlight two points that are unclear, questionable, or have problematic implications. The total presentation time is a maximum of 15 minutes, with a summary section of up to 10 minutes and a commentary section of at least 5 minutes. Presentations start in session 3.
Regular participation, good knowledge of English, and continuous reading of the texts are expected.
This is one of two accompanying seminars to the English-language lecture “Introduction to International Relations.” The examination is a combined examination consisting of a 60-minute test in the lecture (70% of the overall grade) and an oral presentation in the seminar (30% of the overall grade). Details will be announced in the seminar.
The seminar is designed as a reading and discussion course and requires your active participation. This means you are expected to read the texts carefully before each session and to engage in class discussions. Focus on the main arguments of the texts rather than on minor details. In session 2, we will discuss how to identify key arguments when reading academic texts.
The seminar follows the structure of the lecture. It aims to deepen your understanding of theoretical issues discussed in the lecture and to connect them to current events. All readings are available as PDFs on MyStudy (Material) or online via the university library. Most sessions follow an interactive structure, combining theoretical reflection with collaborative analysis:
1. Group presentation and discussion of key issues in plenary
2. Small group activities applying theoretical ideas to contemporary cases to encourage critical engagement and multiple perspectives
3. Plenary wrap-up and concluding discussion
Evaluation
Further information on teaching evaluation: https://www.leuphana.de/en/teaching/quality-management/feedback-instruments.html