International Relations Theory: (Sage Course Companions Series)

"SAGE Course Companions" provide students with an insider's guide into how to make the most of their undergraduate courses and extend their understanding of the key concepts covered. Ideal for anyone new to the study of international relations or looking for a refresher, this Course Companion includes a comprehensive introduction to the competing theories at the heart of the discipline as well as hints and tips on how to apply them when tackling coursework or examinations. Written in a straightforward and clear style, it is designed to augment, rather than replace, existing textbooks for the course and provides: pointers to success in course exams and written assessment exercises; easy access to the key theories in international relations; guidance on the essential study skills required to pass the course; help with developing critical thinking; and, 'taking it further' sections that suggest how readers can extend their thinking beyond the received wisdom.

Table of Contents:
PART ONE: INTRODUCTION TO YOUR COURSE IN IR THEORY Introduction to IR Introduction to IR Theory Your Course in IR Theory Theoretical Debates PART TWO: THEORIES OF IR Liberalism Realism Neoliberalism and Neorealism The English School Social Constructivism Marxism Critical Theory Feminism Postmodernism Postcolonialism Green Theory Anarchism PART THREE: LECTURES, SEMINARS, COURSEWORK AND EXAMS Lectures Seminars Essay writing Good practice in essays Exam revision Exam tips

Review :
With the growing proliferation of approaches to the field of international relations, the demand for clear and accessible textbooks has never been higher. Oliver Daddow has written an excellent course companion which neatly complements the suite of existing standard texts. He has succeeded in making complex arguments easily understandable - and has done so in a manner that treats readers with the respect they deserve Tim Dunne Professor of International Relations and Head of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Exeter An admirably clear and lucid book that succeeds emphatically in demonstrating the relevance of IR theory for students new to the field. Oliver Daddow has done a wonderful job in combining thorough exposition of key theories with sound and intelligent pedagogical advice Professor Ben Rosamond University of Warwick This book nicely balances academic content with very helpful material to guide students through their courses on international relations theory. This is not an easy task, and Daddow has done it exceptionally well. This book will be of considerable practical use to students of international relations theory Professor Steve Smith University of Exeter Oliver Daddow manages to achieve a remarkable feat as the novel approach utilised seems to present IR theory from the perspective of the student as well as the lecturer...As anyone who has taught IR knows, it is the language used within IR rather than the theories themselves that can often hinder undergraduate progression. It is here that one of the book's real strengths lies. Through its focus on 'common pitfalls', 'new terms', 'questions to ponder', ideas for 'taking it further' and 'references to more information' the text manages to break down the complexities that often scare undergraduates Adrian M. Gallagher Political Studies Review