Introduction to International Relations
Fall Semester 2024
E-Track
Instructor: Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi, Ph.D.
Contact: ryohy@tiu.ac.jp
Office Hours: tbc
Course Description
Throughout the history of human civilization, societies have interacted with one
another to address political, economic, security, social, and environmental
challenges. Today interstate interactions are a norm, yet there are various
complexities and problems that require better understanding. This course
introduces the key concepts and practices to better understand international
relations. The course surveys the major concepts and theories as well as topics
including conflict and peace, inter-state interactions, international
organizations, international laws, trade and globalization, international
cooperation, and sustainable development.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Through this course, students are expected to acquire basic skills to understand
and analyze:
• Fundamental concepts relating to international relations.
• The structure and processes relating to interstate interactions.
• Major developments and issues relating to international relations.
Course Requirements and Preparation
• Students are expected to complete assigned readings prior to each
session. Readings for each session will require an estimated 4h/week.
Note: some weeks will only have two required readings while other
weeks may have more.
• Students are expected to regularly check their Moodle learning
environment for this class. Readings, with the exception of those drawn
from the assigned textbook, will be made available on Moodle.
• Students are expected to actively take notes and to participate in class
discussions. The participation grade for this class will come from active
participation in class discussions, participation in class structured
debates, and participation in other activities.
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Course Assignments & Grading
1) Mid-Term Exam: Students will answer a number of multiple-choice and
short-answer questions, as well as a short essay.
The Mid-Term Exam will constitute 40% of your final grade and will be
assessed on the basis of your ability to respond to the questions that will
require you to demonstrate a good understanding of class material
(readings, lectures, and discussions). The Mid-Term Exam will take place
in class on October 17.
2) Final Exam: Students will answer a number of multiple-choice and short-
answer questions, as well as a short essay.
The Mid-Term Exam will constitute 40% of your final grade and will be
assessed on the basis of your ability to respond to the questions that will
require you to demonstrate a good understanding of class material
(readings, lectures, and discussions). The Mid-Term Exam will take place
in class on December 5.
3) Participation: Your participation grade constitutes 20% of your final
grade. Your participation grade is based on the following criteria:
Ø Demonstration of critical engagement with reading and lecture
material through active participation in class discussions
Ø Regular on time attendance of class (see Timeliness under
Course Policies & Rules)
Ø Active participation during class debates and simulations
Course Policies & Rules
Attendance: You will be provided with an attendance code at the beginning
of each class that you will need to enter on POTI to confirm your attendance.
The maximum number of absences for this course is four. In the event you are
absent for more than four classes you will receive a grade of F for the entire
course. In the event of a medical or family emergency that requires you to
miss more than four classes, please schedule an appointment with me during
office hours in order to discuss your situation.
Citation: Use correct and consistent citation formats including both in-text
citation and list of references. Assignments that have improper citations or
missing either/both in-text citations and list of references will lose significant
amount of points in their assignments.
Academic Honesty: All written work completed by students for this class must
be their own original work. Academic dishonesty includes any attempt to pass
off work, or knowledge as your own, constitutes a serious breach of academic
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honesty. Examples of this include, but are not limited to, cheating, plagiarism,
fabrication of information or references, use of artificial intelligence, assisting
others to commit academic dishonesty, talking during exams, unauthorized
possession of exams or assessments, submission of work by another person or
work that you have previously completed for another class, or tampering with
the academic work of fellow students.
Course Schedule
Session Date Topic
1 9/5 Introduction: What is international relations?
2 9/9 Concepts and Theories
3 9/12 History of International Relations
4 9/16 Realism
5 9/19 Liberal institutionalism
6 9/23 Constructivism
7 9/26 Critical theories in IR
8 9/30 Comparing and connecting the “schools of thought”
9 10/3 International relations in practice
10 10/7 Hard power vs. soft power
11 10/10 Causes of war
12 10/14 Conditions for peace
13 10/17 Mid-term examinations and review
14 10/21 Strategies and policies
15 10/24 Economic Issues and IR
16 10/28 Energy and IR
17 10/31 Environmental issues and IR
18 11/7 Human security issues and IR
19 11/11 Foreign Aid
20 11/14 Public diplomacy
21 11/18 Security dilemma and arms races
22 11/21 International laws
23 11/25 United Nations
24 11/28 Regional integration
25 12/2 International cooperation
26 12/5 Final examinations and review
27 12/9 The future of International Relations
*Content and order of topics are subject to minor changes and adjustments
**Lecture slides will be uploaded in the evening prior to the session, and the
readings will be uploaded on the week prior to the session (by Friday).
