PIM93: Worlding International Relations

Module code: PIM93

Module provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and International Studies

Credits: 20

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Andreas Behnke , email: a.behnke@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 11 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module is directed to students interested in the history and current development of International Relations. It addresses the challenges formulated in diverse parts of the world to the Western dominance of the field of International Relations. Focusing on how central concept of IR are understood in different parts of the world, the module investigates how scholars from around the world think about central concepts such as sovereignty, the state, war, peace, religion and ‘the international’. Highlighting the conceptual differences in non-Western approaches, the module casts light on their implication for IR and the study of world politics. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Evaluate various non-Western theories and concepts related to international politics. 
2. Evaluate the relevant differences between these theories and concepts and their Western counterparts. 
3. Describe these non-Western theories and apply them in explaining recent events and developments in international politics. 

Module content

The module will provide an introduction to the theories and concepts of international politics as they emerge in the non-Western world. For too long, the academic production of knowledge about international politics has been dominated by Western scholars, approaches and practices. 

By charting global variation in the concepts used by scholars to think about international relations, the module focuses on important differences in non-Western approaches and the potential implications of such differences for the discipline of IR and the study of world politics in general. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

A set of introductory remarks by lecturer; student presentations and directed discussions in weekly seminars; independent study; individual consultations with lecturers as needed. Together with essay writing these activities are designed to develop students' knowledge base as well as analytical skills. 

Study hours

At least 22 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.