Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM
Province of Rizal
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
First Semester, AY 2023-2024
COURSE TITLE: Introduction to International Relations COURSE CODE: PSM 6
CONTACT HOURS: 54 CREDIT UNITS: 3
PRE-REQUISITES: Politics and Governance in Southeast Asia CO-REQUISITES: 0
I Vision: The leading University in human resource development, knowledge and technology generation, and environmental stewardship.
II Mission: The University of Rizal System is committed to nurture and produce upright and competent graduates and empowered community
through relevant and sustainable higher professional and technical instruction, research, extension, and production services.
III Goals:
National: To train the nation’s manpower in the skills required for the national development of the quality of human life.
Regional: To train the nation’s manpower with the skills required for regional development.
University: To develop the full potential of an individual in academic and technological discipline for an empowered, productive, and morally
upright citizenry.
IV Core Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Social Responsibility
V Graduate Attributes: Globally Competitive, Innovative, Adaptive, Nationalistic, Trustworthy, Service Oriented
VI Program: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
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VII Program Outcomes:
The minimum standards for the AB programs are expressed in the following minimum set of learning outcomes:
A. Common to the Discipline (As stated in CMO no. 34 s. 2017)
1. Apply social science concepts and theories to the analysis of social issues;
2. Design and execute social science research using appropriate approaches and methods; and
3. Practice professional and ethical standards in the field of social science and communication.
B. Program Outcomes for BA in Political Science (As stated in CMO no. 51 s. 2017)
1. Compare, contrast, and classify the major concepts in the discipline;
2. Recognize and define the distinctiveness of the discipline, its sub-fields, theories, and methods;
3. Design and execute research inquiries using appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods guided by theories or conceptual frameworks;
4. Demonstrate written, visual, and oral presentation skills to produce and present analytical reports;
5. Critique, judge, and respond to current issues and problems based on a substantive understanding of historical and contemporary
developments
in the national and global contexts; and
6. Develop a predisposition towards ethical political involvement and practice from various forms and on different levels of engagement.
VIII. Course Outcomes:
1. Familiarize with the origins of international relations as a discipline.
2. Analyze and understand how power affects the relationship between different state and non-state actors
3. Understand how domestic and international conflicts affect the relationship between states.
4. Develop an appreciation of theory and its utility in the study and practice of International Relations.
5. Improve critical thinking and writing skills.
6. Demonstrate the ability to describe the social, political, and economic forces that influence social behavior and the global system.
IX Course Description:
This course provides students with the background and conceptual tools they need to understand contemporary international relations.
Students are exposed to the wide range of issues involved in the study of international relations including the formation and emergence of states,
foreign policy-making, the causes of international conflict, violence and cooperation, and the roles of international organizations and non-state
actors in the international system.
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X Course Outline:
WEEK/TIME TEACHING AND
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES OUTCOME-BASED
ALLOTMENT CONTENT LEARNING ACTIVITIES LEARNING RESOURCES
(ILO) ASSESSMENT (OBA)
(TLA)*
Leveling off of expectations Concept Mapping
Professional Expertise
Oral Communication
Re-orientation on the URS Vision, Introduction Face-to-face session
Reflect the Vision and Mission, Core Mission, Core Values, and URS Brand (onsite) / online meeting
Values of the university Current Issues
Significance of the subject matter on
Demonstrate key concepts, theories the attainment of the University VMGO
and frameworks in International
Relations. I. Prelude to International Relations Socialized Classroom Lawson, George. Chapter
Week 1-2
Discussion 2: The Rise of the Modern
(6 Hours)
Evaluate the claims and assumptions II. Realism International Order.
of theories and ongoing debates within Great Power Concept Library Work / Research
these theories. Len. Chapter 3:
Anarchy Group Dynamics International History 1990–
Appraise the provided 3 S’s of Realism
99.
issue/proposition. Defend or negate Statism Brainstorming
the views of other participants. Types of Realism Forum Dunne, Tim, and Brian C.
Asynchronous activities Schmidt. Chapter 6:
Power and Morality
Realism.
Think Paper
Week 3-6 III. Liberalism
(12 Hours) Demonstrate key concepts, theories Liberalism in History Socialized Classroom Quiz Dunne, Tim. Chapter 7:
and frameworks in International Core Elements Discussion Liberalism.
Relations. Causes of War Performance Task
Preventing War Library Work / Research Hobden, Stephen, and
Appraise the relevance of International Neo-Liberalism and Webinar attendance Richard Wyn Jones.
Relations theories and concepts to Cooperation Brainstorming Chapter 8: Marxist Theories
current global events. Neo-Liberalism and Recitations of International Relations.
Globalization Asynchronous activities
Evaluate the claims and assumptions Problems with Liberalism
of theories and ongoing debates within
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IV Marxism
these theories.
Capital Controls
Marxist Theory
Appraise the provided
Dependency Theory
issue/preposition. Defend or negate
the views of other participants. World System Theory
Gramscianism
Gramsci and Hegemony
Critical Theory
PRELIM EXAM
V. Global Political Economy
Investigate past and contemporary Post WW II
New Institutions Socialized Classroom
issues by using major international
Discussion
relations theories. Three Traditions
Foreign Migrant Communities Library Work / Research Forum
Week 7-8 Evaluate the claims and assumptions Phillips, Nicola. Chapter 16:
Rational Choice Theory
(6 Hours) of theories and ongoing debates within Global Political Economy.
Constructivism Group Dynamics Reflection Paper
these theories.
Hegemony
Brainstorming Group presentations
Appraise the provided Globalization in the IPE
issue/preposition. Defend or negate Context Asynchronous activities
the views of other participants. Regionalism
Investigate past and contemporary VI. Constructivism Socialized Classroom Group presentations Michael. Chapter 9: Social
issues by using major international Russia and Crimea Discussion Constructivism.
relations theories. Constructivism Theory Webinar Attendance
Structuration Library Work / Research
Social Construction of Reality
Evaluate the claims and assumptions Logics of Action Group Dynamics
Week 9-12 of theories and ongoing debates within Regulative vs. Constitutive
these theories. Brainstorming
(12 Hours) Anarchy
Nature of Scientific Inquiry
Appraise the provided Asynchronous activities
Rationalism vs. Constructivism
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Social Structures, Identity, and
Constructivism
VII. Poststructuralism and Post-
issue/preposition. Defend or negate colonialism
the views of other participants. Positivism Theory
Poststructuralism Hansen, Lene. Chapter 10:
Poststructuralism.
Post-colonialism
Historical Sociology
MIDTERM EXAM
Week 13-14
(6 Hours) Investigate past and contemporary VIII. Challenging IR Theory Sylvester, Christine.
issues by using major international Systems, History, Theory, and Chapter 11: Post-
relations theories. the Study of International Socialized Classroom Webinar attendance colonialism.
Relations Discussion
Demonstrate key concepts, theories Reflection paper Chapter 1: Systems,
Competing Conceptions of the
and frameworks in International Library Work / Research History, Theory, and the
International System. Study of International
Relations. Case studies
Group Dynamics Relations.
IX. Theoretical Toolkit
Appraise the relevance of International
The Theoretical Toolkit Brainstorming Chapter 2: Competing
Relations theories and concepts to
current global events. Establishing Criteria for Conceptions of the
International Systems Asynchronous activities International System.
Evaluate the claims and assumptions
of theories and ongoing debates within X. Pre-international Systems Chapter 4: The Theoretical
these theories. The Origins of Pre- Toolkit of this Book.
international Systems.
Chapter 5: Establishing
Appraise the provided The Transition from Pre- Criteria for International
issue/preposition. Defend or negate international to International Systems.
the views of other participants. Systems.
Chapter 6: The Origins of
Pre-international Systems.
Chapter 7: The Transition
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from Pre-international to
International Systems.
Chapter 8: The New Units:
City-States, Empires, and
Barbarians as the Main
XI. Ancient and Classical Systems
Actors of the Ancient and
The New Units: City-States,
Classical World.
Empires, and Barbarians as
the Main Actors of the Ancient Chapter 9: Interaction
and Classical World. Capacity in Ancient and
Interaction Capacity in Ancient Classical International
and Classical International Systems.
Systems.
Chapter 10: Process in
Investigate past and contemporary Process in Ancient and
Ancient and Classical
issues by using major international Classical International Socialized Classroom
International Systems.
relations theories. Systems. Discussion
Chapter 11: Structure in
Structure in Ancient and Ancient and Classical
Week 15-16 Evaluate the claims and assumptions Library Work / Research
Classical International Recital International Systems.
(6 Hours) of theories and ongoing debates within
these theories. Systems. Group Dynamics
Group presentations Chapter 12: Units in the
XII. Modern Systems Modern International
Appraise the provided Brainstorming
Units in the Modern System.
issue/preposition. Defend or negate
the views of other participants. International System. Asynchronous activities
Chapter 13: Interaction
Interaction Capacity Structure Capacity Structure in the
in the Modern International Modern International
System. System.
Process in the Modern
International System. Chapter 14: Process in the
Structure in the Modern Modern International
System.
International System.
Chapter 15: Structure in the
Modern International
System.
Develop research proposals, research XIII. Actors, Institutions, and Issues
Week 17-18 papers, policy recommendations, that in International Relations (selected Socialized Classroom Virtual Explainer Podcast/s
topics) Discussion
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Library Work / Research
Nationalism Other HEI / SUC Meet,
apply the knowledge and critiques in Group Dynamics
(6 hours) Human Rights Greet & Learn
international relations theories. Webinar/Immersion
via online/onsite
Brainstorming
Asynchronous activities
FINAL EXAM
*Note: TLA and OBA are subject to change without prior notice depending on the needs of students in the course based on previous assessments.
XII References:
Barnett, Michael and Peter Walker.“Regime Change for Humanitarian Aid: How to Make Relief More Accountable,” Foreign Affairs.
Busby, Joshua. “Who Cares About the Weather? Climate Change and US National Security,” Security Studies.
Cohen, Dara Kay. “Explaining Rape during Civil War: Cross-National Evidence.
Dunne, Tim, and Brian C. Schmidt. Chapter 6: Realism.
Dunne, Tim. Chapter 7: Liberalism.
Feldstein, Martin “The Failure of the Euro,” Foreign Affairs.
Fortna, Page. Does Peacekeeping Work? Chapter One.
Frieden, Jeffrey, David Lake, and Kenneth Schultz. World Politics: Interests, Interactions, Institutions. Second Edition. New York: W. W. Norton &
Company, 2013. Chapter 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13.
Gray, John. “Steven Pinker is Wrong about Violence and War” The Guardian.
Hafner-Burton, Emilie and Kiyoteru Tsutsui. “Justice Lost! The Failure of International Human Rights Law to Matter Where Needed Most”
Hansen, Lene. Chapter 10: Poststructuralism.
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Hardin, Garrett. “Tragedy of the Commons”.
Hehi, Aidan. “The Permanence of Inconsistency” International Security.
Hobden, Stephen, and Richard Wyn Jones. Chapter 8: Marxist Theories of International Relations.
Hurd, Ian. “Is Humanitarian Intervention Legal? The Rule of Law in an Incoherent World,” Ethics and International Affairs.
Irwin, Douglas. “The Truth about Trade,” Foreign Affairs.
Krasner “Talking Tough to Pakistan,” Foreign Affairs.
Lawson, George. Chapter 2: The Rise of the Modern International Order.
Len. Chapter 3: International History 1990–99.
Michael. Chapter 9: Social Constructivism.
Nye, Joseph. “Deterrence and Dissuasion in Cyberspace” International Security.
Phillips, Nicola. Chapter 16: Global Political Economy.
Rapp-Hooper, Mira. “A Tale of Two Allies” War on the Rocks.
Sylvester, Christine. Chapter 11: Post-colonialism.
Tickner, “The Gendered Frontiers of Globalization,” Globalization.
Chapter 1: Systems, History, Theory, and the Study of International Relations.
Chapter 2: Competing Conceptions of the International System.
Chapter 4: The Theoretical Toolkit of this Book.
Chapter 5: Establishing Criteria for International Systems.
Chapter 6: The Origins of Pre-international Systems.
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Chapter 7: The Transition from Pre-international to International Systems.
Chapter 8: The New Units: City-States, Empires, and Barbarians as the Main Actors of the Ancient and Classical World.
Chapter 9: Interaction Capacity in Ancient and Classical International Systems.
Chapter 10: Process in Ancient and Classical International Systems.
Chapter 11: Structure in Ancient and Classical International Systems.
Chapter 12: Units in the Modern International System.
Chapter 13: Interaction Capacity Structure in the Modern International System.
Chapter 14: Process in the Modern International System.
Chapter 15: Structure in the Modern International System.
XIII. Course Policies:
In the exercise of academic freedom, the professor may promulgate policies in the holding of flexible learning modalities. However, this freedom
must be properly contextualized in the gravity of the ongoing public health emergency which shall require utmost compassion and flexibility from all
education participants. The primacy of the physical and mental well-being of the students, while learning is continued, shall remain. As such, policies for
flexible learning modality, online and offline classes in particular, shall be in accordance with the following policies:
A. General:
1. Attendance. You are permitted a maximum of 2 excused absences from class in the entire semester. Though points will not be deducted in any
requirements, attendance will be the basis of the undersigned in exercising academic discretion in giving considerations. Excused absences
include those taken for legitimate academic or school activities participation (conferences, competitions, etc.) or due to illness. Family milestones
and gatherings are not excusable. Written notice to the professor must be provided in a timely manner. Unauthorized absences of 3 consecutive
meetings or at least 5 of the total meetings in a semester will automatically drop the students from the roll.
2. Punctuality. Students are strongly encouraged to show respect for fellow students and the professor by arriving for class on time. Late arrivals
disturb fellow students and disrupt the learning process. But, it is better to come in late than not to come at all.
3. Decorum. Strictly no text messaging or entertainment of phone calls during class hours. Be courteous enough by turning off your cell phone
while inside the physical or virtual classroom. Students are expected to behave as learned adults.
4. References. All these readings will be provided by the professor, either in pdf form or URL / link or in hand copies.
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5. Freedom of Expression. The views of the professor are not dogma and are open to question and discussion. Please feel free to disagree, but
be prepared to logically and empirically back up your arguments. Please remember the basic courtesies when disagreeing with others, either in
face-to-face, virtual, or in the online open forum. Speak clearly, and concisely, and do not engage in shouting matches during synchronous
meetings. At the same time, if you merely sit there and absorb without examining the issues critically, you are missing out. This course is indeed
one of the last places in this country to voice your ideas in a public forum, and these issues should affect you for the rest of your lives as involved
and active citizens of this country.
6. Assignments. Turning in assignments late is unacceptable. Late assignments must be completed by the end of the period the assignment was
originally due. Points will be subtracted from late assignments at a rate of 5% points per day to a maximum of 25%. Since assignments build on
the previous one, it is in the interest of the students to complete each one. If personal or extenuating circumstances prevent anyone from turning
in an assignment on time, please come speak to the undersigned professor as soon as possible in advance of the deadline.
7. Academic dishonesty. Do not copy-paste from online and other sources unless absolutely necessary in making a very important point related to
the current topic. Maximum copied text with citation is three lines only. Cite sources properly. Keep to a maximum of three lines of citations and
strictly follow word count instructions. Use APA style when citing the source, indicate page number/s where copying text from the source. Any
form of cheating or plagiarism in this course will result in a zero on the given exam, assignment or project. Allowing others access to your work
potentially involves you in cheating. Working with others to produce very similar reports is plagiarism regardless of intent.
8. Dropping. Students who wished to drop the course must do so officially and not just stop coming to class.
9. Problems. Any encountered problems related to the subject must be discussed with the professor first. Such consultation may be made in
person during a designated time and at a designated place or upon request for a virtual/online conference. The professor may not always be
online but he tries his best to respond the soonest opportunity that he can. You may reach him only via email address.
B. Face-to-Face Learning Modality:
1. Course activity is organized around scheduled face-to-face (in-person) class meetings. Classroom courses require students to be present on
campus.
2. Strictly no text messaging or entertainment of phone calls during class hours. Be courteous enough by turning off your cell phone while
inside the physical or virtual classroom. Students are expected to behave as learned adults.
C. Flexible Learning Modality:
1. Online Synchronous.
a. A modality of instructional delivery where the professor and the students interact in real time usually through a virtual platform enabled
by communication technology. This may include video conferencing, teleconferencing, live chatting, live-streaming, and similar
methods.
b. Students are required to login at a specific time. A synchronous course will indicate this information either within the course
description or list a specific online meeting time. Time online could vary between 1% to 100% of course time and activities.
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c. If possible, an entire course shall not be taught synchronously. Though time online could vary between 1% to 100% of course time
and activities, synchronous and asynchronous classes may still adopt a 50:50 ratio or 25:75 ratio but NOT totally discarding one over
the other.
d. The time spent in online classes on any given school day shall be limited to 1 to 1.5 hours a week. Regular breaks shall also be
allowed during classes that extend for more than an hour.
e. Online synchronous classes shall also be subject to suspensions during storms, incremental weather and declared non-working
holidays.
f. All synchronous online classes shall also be automatically suspended:
Situated in areas placed under public storm warning/signal no. 3 by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical
Services Administration (PAGASA);
Where the local government unit (LGU) concerned has declared a suspension due to inclement weather, flooding,
earthquakes, and similar disturbances;
Where, even without government suspension, the President or Head of the HEI has determined that inclement weather or
natural disturbances will severely affect the internet connectivity in their locality; and
Declared non-working holidays, or institutional (URS) suspension of works and/or classes.
g. Webiquette will be provided as guidance for online engagements.
2. Online Asynchronous:
a. A modality of instructional delivery where the professor and the students do not interact in real-time. This may include self-guided
learning modules, recorded video and audio content, posted lecture notes, online discussion boards, and similar methods.
b. Students are NOT required to log in at a specific time. Online asynchronous courses achieve the required credit hours primarily
through time spent online at the time of the student's opting.
c. If possible, an entire course shall not be taught synchronously. Though time online could vary between 1% to 100% of course time
and activities, synchronous and asynchronous classes may still adopt a 50:50 ratio or 25:75 ratio but NOT totally discarding one over
the other.
d. Students need an e-mail (Gmail) account for communication with their classmates and the professor. Registration/joining in the
assigned Google classroom using the correct class code is a MUST. ALL course requirements shall only be uploaded/submitted in
the appropriate bin in the said platform.
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XIV Grading System:
60% - Class Standing
Participation (Recitation, Forum)
Quizzes
Papers
Note: Rubrics applied
40% - Major Examinations
(Prelim, Midterm & Final; Traditional and/or Authentic; Actual, Online)
XV. Consultation Period: Friday: 7:30 – 11:30, CSS Faculty Room / via Online (Upon request)
Mobile Phone: 0977.813.7737
Email: [email protected]
Prepared: MEDARDO B. BOMBITA, DPA, PgD (M. ASEAN), PDDQM
Subject Professor Date 01 July 2023
Approved: MARIA SALOME A. DESOLOC, PhD
Dean Date 01 July 2023
