University of Warsaw - Central Authentication System
Strona główna

Theories of International Relations and European Integration

General data

Course ID: 4003-EU-L23-TSM
Erasmus code / ISCED: 14.6 The subject classification code consists of three to five digits, where the first three represent the classification of the discipline according to the Discipline code list applicable to the Socrates/Erasmus program, the fourth (usually 0) - possible further specification of discipline information, the fifth - the degree of subject determined based on the year of study for which the subject is intended. / (0312) Political sciences and civics The ISCED (International Standard Classification of Education) code has been designed by UNESCO.
Course title: Theories of International Relations and European Integration
Name in Polish: Teorie stosunków międzynarodowych i integracji europejskiej
Organizational unit: Centre for Europe
Course groups: (in Polish) Europeistyka dzienne I stopnia II rok 3 semestr ZIMA, Centrum Europejskie
ECTS credit allocation (and other scores): 4.00 Basic information on ECTS credits allocation principles:
  • the annual hourly workload of the student’s work required to achieve the expected learning outcomes for a given stage is 1500-1800h, corresponding to 60 ECTS;
  • the student’s weekly hourly workload is 45 h;
  • 1 ECTS point corresponds to 25-30 hours of student work needed to achieve the assumed learning outcomes;
  • weekly student workload necessary to achieve the assumed learning outcomes allows to obtain 1.5 ECTS;
  • work required to pass the course, which has been assigned 3 ECTS, constitutes 10% of the semester student load.
Language: Polish
Type of course:

obligatory courses

Short description:

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the different ways of theoretical explanation of international relations and European integration. The lecture will be dedicated to international relations theories (realism, liberalism, structuralism, the English school, constructivism, feminism, poststrukturalism) and to theories of European integration (functionalism, federalism, transactionism, neofunctionalism, liberal intergovernmentalism. Lecture will be supplemented by classes, during which the most representatives texts concerning theories of International relations and theories of European Integration theories will be discussed.

Full description:

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the different ways of theoretical explanation of international relations and European integration. The lecture will be dedicated to international relations theories (realism, liberalism, structuralism, the English school, constructivism, feminism, poststrukturalism) and to theories of European integration (functionalism, federalism, transactionism, neofunctionalism, liberal intergovernmentalism.

Realist theorists discern the roots of European integration in the havoc wreaked in European societies by the II World War, and Europe's particular geopolitical position after 1945. Liberalism takes a more favourable position towards integration. It concentrates on the explanation of cooperation between states. Structuralism explains relations between centre and periphery whereas the English School brings in the idea of international society. Our understanding of integration is broadened by dynamically developing constructivism, concentrating on actors' identities and interests.

Early European integration theories, such as functionalism and federalism started to develop already in the interwar period. Established in 1960., neofunctionalism is characterised by the aspiration for scientific precision and objectivity through isolating variables and putting forward hypotheses. Liberal intergovernmentalism concentrates on internal decision-making processes, negotiation and coalition formation, importance of relative power and the role of national leaders.

The lecture presents premises of international relations and European integration theories. The themes of lectures cover:

1. International relations as a disciplines of social science

2. Taxonomy of international relations theories

3. Classical Realism

4. Neorealism and Neoclassical realism

5. Liberalism and neoliberalism

6. Functionalism, Transactionism and Neofunctionalism,

7. Liberal intergovernmentalism and its critics

8. Structuralism (neo-Marxism) and center-periphery relations

9. The English School of International Relations. Normative theories

10. Constructivism

11. Feminism in International Relations

12. Poststructuralism, postcollonial theory

13. Summary and conclusions

Classes will be focused on the discussion of main works of international relations and European integration theorists in historical perspective.

Bibliography:

WYKŁAD:

- Jacek Czaputowicz, Teorie stosunków międzynarodowych. Krytyka i systematyzacja, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, Warszawa 2008,

- Jacek Czaputowicz, Teorie integracji europejskiej, WN PWN Warszawa 2018,

Learning outcomes:

After the course a student:

• has broad knowledge concerning theories of international relations and European integration

• knows and can properly use theoretical concepts of International Relations

• is able to interpret, in theoretical terms, processes within the European Union

• comprehends scientific literature and can relate to the arguments presented within it during discussions

• can prepare and present a presentation on the subject of a scientific article

• can write a short scientific essay on a subject concerning international relations and European integration theory.

Assessment methods and assessment criteria:

Classes (no more than three absentions):

• preparation to classes and active participation in discussions on prescribed readings

• presentation on a chosen scientific article from the supplementary readings and a synthetic note (or slideshow presentation) on the presented scientific article

• written assignment in a form of 4-5 pages long scientific essay

Lecture:

• oral examination

Classes in period "Winter semester 2024/25" (past)

Time span: 2024-10-01 - 2025-01-26
Selected timetable range:
Go to timetable
Type of class:
Classes, 30 hours more information
Lecture, 30 hours, 78 places more information
Coordinators: Jacek Czaputowicz
Group instructors: Jacek Czaputowicz
Students list: (inaccessible to you)
Credit: Course - Examination
Classes - Grading
Lecture - Examination

Classes in period "Winter semester 2025/26" (future)

Time span: 2025-10-01 - 2026-01-25
Selected timetable range:
Go to timetable
Type of class:
Classes, 30 hours more information
Lecture, 30 hours more information
Coordinators: Jacek Czaputowicz
Group instructors: Jacek Czaputowicz
Students list: (inaccessible to you)
Credit: Course - Examination
Classes - Grading
Lecture - Examination
Course descriptions are protected by copyright.
Copyright by University of Warsaw.
ul. Banacha 2
02-097 Warszawa
tel: +48 22 55 44 214 https://www.mimuw.edu.pl/
contact accessibility statement site map USOSweb 7.1.2.0-a1f734a9b (2025-06-25)