International Relations Theory Concept Map
Instruction Details
International Relations Theory | 2023-24 | Summative Assessment two: 3,000-Word Concept Map Assignment (70% weighting
Premise: The summative is designed to assess (1) how well you understand key theoretical arguments and concepts, (2) your ability to find connections across distinct perspectives, and (3) the extent to which you can situate these connections within the wider field of International Relations. The intention of the summative is to assess how well you understand the material in the module and can creatively “map” the theoretical positions found within the discipline of IR. As such, you are NOT creating a geographical map, showing spatial relations among places, but a conceptual map showing relations between key concepts found in the discipline. Your map will be supplemented with a 1,000-word essay explaining and defending your mapping of the discipline. In the second part of the assignment, you will write an essay discussing the question: Is the academic discipline of IR capable of responding to twenty-first century global challenges?
Mechanics: This assignment is broken into two parts.
PART 1: The concept map (concept map + 1,000 words)
First, you will design your own concept map that shows the relationships between theories and concepts discussed in the module. Your concept mapping can be as creative as you like, and you may either hand-draw the map or use software. Please note that we are not assessing the visual representation on artistic grounds but on how the visual map of some kind demonstrates a representation of “the world” of IR. Examples and further details will be discussed in class. But the map could look something like the London Tube map, a flow chart, or some other visual representation. Feel free to be creative, but keep in mind the purpose is to provide an image representation of the academic field of IR. (The concept map is worth 500 words, but you do not need to provide a word count for the concept map section).
Second, you will write an essay that explains the analytical and political basis for the map – i.e., why you’ve selected the specific theories/concepts, their location in the map, how they connect to the others that you’ve selected, etc. Treat this essay as you would a regular academic essay: have an opening statement that states the specific meaning of the map that you are trying to convey, and which signposts toward why or how you chose to organize the material, and then in the body of the essay, explain how the theories and concepts connect, referencing appropriate readings from the module. Think for example of a museum exhibit where there is a text that accompanies the visual representation on display. This text states what the image is/represents, its context/meaning, etc. You are in effect providing something similar to explain the content of your conceptual map. Think of the map as the ‘argument’ or ‘thesis’ and the text as the explanation. This essay must be no longer than 1,000 words.
PART 2: application of the concept map (1,500 words)
In Part 2, you will write an essay assessing the extent to which IR is equipped to deal with the challenges of the 21st Century such as (but not limited to) global pandemics, the effects of climate change, corporate power, inequality, populism, and emerging ‘great powers’, etc. This part of the assignment takes your concept map and applies it so that we can see how your representation of the field of study can respond to 21st Century global challenges. Based on your mapping of the discipline in Part 1, which should provide a comprehensive sense of the discipline – its main fault lines and key concepts – your essay should address the following:
Is the academic discipline capable of responding to twenty-first century global challenges?
This essay must be no longer than 1,500 words.
Treat this essay as you would a regular academic essay.
Format: Students should include the following:
- a Title Page with their anonymous codes (NB: identifying names should NOT be written anywhere on summative assignments) and word count for submitted assignment (minus title page, bibliography, and appendix.
- Concept map
- 1,000-word essay explaining and defending your mapping of IR.
- 1,500-word essay responding to the question: How is IR fit for purpose in the 21st century?
- Reference list of texts used in your map/essays.
NB: 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 in Epiphany term.
Sample Answer
Title: “Resilience and Adaptation in International Relations: Navigating 21st Century Challenges”
Abstract:
This paper explores the evolving landscape of International Relations (IR) and its capacity to address the intricate challenges of the 21st century. Focusing on the essential elements of resilience and adaptation, it delves into the interconnectedness of theories and concepts within the field. The paper utilizes a hypothetical concept map to visually represent these relationships, accompanied by an explanatory essay that justifies the chosen connections and their relevance to understanding the complexities of IR.
Introduction:
The realm of International Relations is in a constant state of flux, shaped by an array of global challenges. This paper seeks to elucidate how theories and concepts within IR interrelate and adapt to the current global landscape. By employing a concept map, the paper visually represents the interconnected nature of theories such as realism, liberalism, constructivism, and their associated concepts, shedding light on their relevance in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Resilience and Adaptation in IR Concept Map:
The concept map, as a pivotal visual representation, functions as a comprehensive guide offering insights into the intricate fabric of International Relations (IR). It operates as a symbolic nexus, with its central node symbolizing the expansive domain of IR. From this central point, diverse branches extend, mirroring major IR theories like realism, liberalism, and constructivism, thereby depicting the richness of this academic field. Intricately connected to these theoretical branches are fundamental concepts—sovereignty, security, globalization, and power—forming a complex network that showcases their integral interdependencies and mutual influences. This visual schema vividly portrays the dynamic interplay between these theories and concepts, unveiling the nuanced connections, interwoven relationships, divergences, and adaptive capacities, particularly in response to the multifaceted challenges prevalent in the contemporary global landscape.
The map functions as an illuminating illustration, akin to a roadmap, that guides observers through the multifaceted universe of IR theories and concepts. It embodies a structured visualization that amplifies the centrality and interconnectedness of varying theoretical frameworks within the field. Extending from the central hub, the map seamlessly interconnects theories such as realism, liberalism, and constructivism to their respective conceptual counterparts, forming a cohesive narrative that spotlights the intricate relationship between these theories and foundational concepts. By showcasing these connections, the map illuminates the complex landscape of IR, underscoring how these theoretical underpinnings, when intersected with pivotal concepts, intertwine, coexist, or challenge one another, fostering a dynamic, adaptive ecosystem capable of addressing and responding to the intricacies of contemporary global challenges.
This visual representation becomes an intricate tapestry that intricately weaves together the fabric of IR theories and concepts, delineating their symbiotic relationship and adaptability in confronting the multifaceted challenges of the present era. The interplay between the central node, representing the field of IR, and the emanating branches showcasing various theories, each interlinked with crucial concepts, unravels a narrative of the interdependence and dynamism within the discipline. Notably, the map goes beyond mere illustration, serving as a testament to the adaptive nature of IR theories and concepts in accommodating the ever-evolving global landscape, marking their agility in addressing the complex, multifaceted challenges encountered in the twenty-first century.
Explanation of the Concept Map:
The explanatory essay aligned with the concept map serves as a crucial foundation for comprehending the intricate significance and relevance of the map within the context of the field of International Relations (IR). It functions as a guiding compass, systematically articulating the underlying logic behind the conceptual layout. This essay serves to elucidate the central thesis illustrated in the map, highlighting the interconnectedness and potential disparities that exist among the array of theories and concepts represented. Drawing extensively from scholarly works and pertinent readings within the IR discipline, the essay meticulously dissects the depicted relationships, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping the evolving landscape of IR. It meticulously unpacks the nuanced connections portrayed in the map, shedding light on their profound significance in elucidating the evolution of IR and its inherent capacity to confront and navigate the myriad contemporary challenges.
Furthermore, the essay serves as an interpretative framework that elucidates the map’s underlying message, providing an in-depth analysis of the dynamics and interactions among the theories and concepts in IR. It meticulously explores the rationale behind the placement and interconnections portrayed in the visual representation, emphasizing their relevance and contribution to the comprehension of IR as a multifaceted discipline. This explanatory essay synthesizes a wealth of scholarly insights, offering a comprehensive perspective that delves into the evolving nature of IR. By explicating the intricate web of relationships between various theories and concepts, it provides a lucid understanding of their evolution and the multifaceted ways they intersect, diverge, and adapt to meet the challenges of the contemporary global landscape. Ultimately, this analytical essay becomes an indispensable tool in grasping the intricate nuances of the concept map, fortifying the understanding of IR’s adaptability and potential in tackling the complex, multifaceted global challenges of the twenty-first century.
Challenges Confronting IR:
The essay serves as an exploratory platform, delving into the substantial relevance of the connections depicted within the concept map, particularly in understanding and navigating the multifaceted global challenges prevalent in the contemporary era. It undertakes a comprehensive analysis, demonstrating how the theories and concepts within the field of International Relations (IR) act as critical frameworks in addressing the complex and pressing issues of our time. It illuminates the role of these theories and concepts in confronting challenges that encompass a broad spectrum, including climate change, technological advancements, human rights violations, and international conflicts.
By scrutinizing the depicted connections within the concept map, the essay extrapolates on how these networks hold paramount importance in understanding and confronting the array of contemporary global challenges. It dissects how the theories and concepts encapsulated within IR offer a structured framework and theoretical lens through which these challenges can be comprehended and addressed. Specifically, it delineates how theories such as realism, liberalism, and constructivism, interwoven with foundational concepts like sovereignty, security, and globalization, provide the groundwork for comprehending and navigating complex global issues.
The essay highlights the adaptability and dynamism of IR theories and concepts, showcasing their pivotal role in addressing multifaceted challenges like climate change, technological advancements, human rights violations, and international conflicts. By bridging these theories and concepts to real-world challenges, the essay underscores the versatility and applicability of IR in navigating the complex, interconnected issues of the modern global landscape. This comprehensive analysis serves to illuminate the robustness and pertinence of IR theories and concepts as indispensable tools for comprehending and responding to the multifaceted challenges that define the twenty-first-century global paradigm.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the paper emphasizes the dynamic and adaptive nature of the field of International Relations. It highlights the significance of understanding the interconnectedness of theories and concepts in navigating the complex global challenges of the 21st century. The concept map and the accompanying essay underscore the necessity of adaptability and resilience within the discipline, urging scholars and practitioners to evolve their perspectives and strategies in addressing ever-changing global realities.