Minor Essay
Classical realism
You will need to demonstrate knowledge of the key assumptions of your chosen theory (positions on human nature, anarchy, cooperation and conflict in the international system, and how the international system functions). You should be able to identify the key theorists associated with that theory and weaknesses of the theory. It's fine to bring in empirical examples to illustrate your points.
N. Bisley (2007) ‘The Cold War', in R. Devetak, A. Burke and J. George (eds) An Introduction to International Relations. Australian Perspectives. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
J. Donnelly (2013) ‘Realism' in S. Burchill, et. al., (eds.) Theories of International Relations, 5th edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
T. Dunne & B. Schmidt (2014) ‘Realism' in J. Baylis, S. Smith, & P. Owens, eds. The Globalization of World Politics, 6th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
R. Jackson & G. Sorensen (2015) Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches, 6th edition. Chapter 3.
M. Griffiths and T. O'Callaghan (2007) ‘Realism', in R. Devetak, A. Burke and J. George (eds) An Introduction to International Relations. Australian Perspectives. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
R. N. Lebow (2013) ‘Classical Realism', in T. Dunne, M. Kurki, and S. Smith (eds) International Relations Theories Discipline and Diversity, 3rd Edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
T. Hobbes (1968/1651) Leviathan. Harmondsworth: Penguin. [This BBC4 podcast provides a good background to Hobbes and his times - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003k9l1 (also on BB)- listen to this before reading Chapter 13 of Leviathan: https://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/h/hobbes/thomas/h68l/chapter13.html
B. C. Schmidt (2004) ‘Realism as tragedy', Review of International Studies
S. Walt (1997) ‘The progressive power of realism", The American Political Science Review
D. A. Welch (2003) 'Why International Relations Theorists Should Stop Reading Thucydides', Review of International Studies
N. Machiavelli The Prince.
H. J. Morgenthau (1993) Politics Among Nations. Maidenhead: McGraw Hill. [particularly the six principles of power politics]
Thucydides The Peloponnesian War.
References 12