Homework: International Relations Theory- Summative Assessment- Theoretical Concepts

Premise: This homework involves students engaging closely with central but contested concepts in IR. While concepts are necessary to analyse international politics, and many such as ‘power` are shared by multiple theoretical traditions, there is little agreement on how to define these concepts. Indeed, IR theories approach shared concepts in different ways, with consequences for how we empirically analyse and normatively engage with the world.

Mechanics: In this homework, students will be expected to closely engage with three theoretical concepts discussed during Michaelmas term: (i) power, (ii) norms, and (iii) anarchy. For each concept, students will select ONE academic, peer-reviewed article from a reputable journal (see an example of appropriate journals below). The text must NOT be part of the module reading list. Students will then write a maximum of 500 words on each article, discussing how the author(s) interprets the concept in question. Key to this homework is analysing how the article contributes to our understanding of the particular concept and enriches IR theorizing. In demonstrating how the article contributes to IR theory, students will be expected to reference material from the module`s reading list. The total word count for this homework is 1,500 (excluding bibliography).

Format: Students should include the following:

1. a Title Page with their anonymous codes (NB: identifying names should NOT be written anywhere on summative homeworks) and word count for submitted homework (minus title page, bibliography, and appendix.

2. Full bibliographic reference to the selected article dealing with power.

• A maximum of 500 words , critically presenting how the article discusses the concept and how it contributes to our understanding of the concept in the discipline.

3. Full bibliographic reference to the selected article dealing with norms.

• A maximum of 500 words of critical analysis, critically presenting how the article discusses the concept and how it contributes to improve our understanding of the concept in the discipline.

4. Full bibliographic reference to the selected article dealing with anarchy.

• A maximum of 500 words of critical analysis, critically presenting how the article discusses the concept and how it contributes to improve our understanding of the concept in the discipline.

5. Full list of references.

NB: The total word count for this homework is 1,500. Please be aware of SGIA`s strict adherence to word count limit and the associated marking penalties. Examples and further instructions, especially with regards to the use of generative AI tools, will be discussed by the end of Michaelmas term.