IR Masterclass
University of London Union • 9th October 2010
If you’ve ever wondered who is winning the war in Afghanistan, or why Russia and the USA are exchanging threats again, or what connects agricultural reform in Pakistan with the explosion of a bomb in a tube train in London, or the thousand other questions about the world the newspapers never answer, the Debate Chamber International Relations Masterclass would be a good place to start.
The Masterclass provides a compelling introduction to the theory and practice of International Relations. Debate the choices in foreign policy, conduct case studies of recent global problems, hear the competing theories explaining the developments of global politics, and decide for yourself if they are good enough. Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic tutors will help you pick apart the dynamics of power which underpin politics, and understand the processes powering change in the world today.
The IR Masterclass will include lectures, seminars, debates and case studies, in order to present ideas and evidence to students in a setting where they can feel comfortable challenging one anothers’ ideas. Students will also be provided with extensive reading extracts and handouts to support their learning and take away for further study. The course will introduce students to modern methods of studying political science. Students will be taught in environments where independent thought, discussion, and note-taking is key – and where a primary task will be to frame their own ideas and critically engage with the literature.
This event is recommended to all students with an interest in world affairs and especially to those who intend to study International Relations, Politics, War Studies, Peace Studies, International Development or similar courses at university.
2010 Programme:
- Introduction: perspectives on International Relations
- Case study: the 2006 Lebanon War
- Lecture: United Nations and global governance – aspirations and reality
- The UN in comparative perspective: Somalia and Congo
- Ethnic Violence and Self-Determination Lecture
- The world post-9/11: new world order or historical anomaly?
- Case study: terrorism, political Islam and the London Bombings
- Lecture: Ethnic violence and self-determination
- Kurdish Self-Determination Case Exercise and Discussion
What students have said
“A great introduction to a new and interesting subject!”
“It was fascinating. I learnt a lot and will definitely think about this when watching the news.”
“Very informative and entertaining. One did not have to have substantial knowledge of topics to engage in debate. Good practice for university life.”
“Awesome. Insanely entertaining and informative. Thank you very much for a great day.”
“Excellent. The tutors were clearly very well-informed and made every effort to present complex info and theories in a way that the students could understand.”
Book a Place
The fee for the International Relations Masterclass is £85 per student. Debate Chamber offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries for students who would otherwise have difficulty attending. For more information or to book a place please email info@debatechamber.com, call 0845 519 4827, or use the form below.
If you are a teacher interested in holding an IR event at your school please click here.