Department of International Relations
Faculty of Social Sciences
National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Islamabad
COURSE OUTLINE & TEACHING PLAN
BSIR Program
Course Name Contemporary issues in International Relations
Course Code IRCI -476
Credit Hours 3
ENROLMENT
Course Prerequisites
Introduction to IR, Theories of IR
Semester BSIR- 5th
Course Focal
Dr Sajid Iqbal
Person
Consultation By Appointment
E-mail Sajidiqbal@[Link]
Course Description
This course examines major contemporary issues shaping the global order, ranging
from traditional security concerns to non-traditional threats like climate change,
cyber security, pandemics, and migration. It bridges IR theories with real-world policy
debates and provides students with analytical tools to critically assess evolving
dynamics in global politics.
Course Learning Objectives (CLOs)
CLO-1: Explain the main contemporary global challenges using IR theories.
CLO-2: Analyze the role of states, non-state actors, and institutions in
addressing these issues.
CLO-3: Evaluate competing perspectives on security, economy, governance,
and human rights.
CLO-4: Apply case studies to develop policy-relevant insights on global issues.
Learning Outcomes (LOs)
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
LO-1: Critically assess security, economic, and humanitarian challenges.
LO-2: Demonstrate understanding of the interconnection between global and
regional crises.
LO-3: Compare Western and non-Western perspectives on contemporary IR
issues.
LO-4: Propose informed policy options for conflict resolution and cooperation.
Grading Policy & Assessment
Assessment Instruments Percentage CLO Covered
Attendance, Quizzes, Assignments, 20% CLO-1, CLO-2
Presentations
Mid Term Exam 30% CLO-1, CLO-2, CLO-3
Final Exam 50% CLO-1, CLO-2, CLO-3, CLO-
4
Weekly Content Breakdown
Week Topic Course Course Class Activity Suggested
Objectives Learning & Reading/s
Outcome Assessment
%
1 Introduction: Define scope of LO-1 Lecture & Sørensen &
What are “contemporary discussion Jackson
“Contemporary issues” and (2022),
Issues” in IR? relevance in IR Introduction to
International
Relations
2 Globalization and Explain LO-1 Q&A session Scholte
Sovereignty globalization’s (2005),
impact on state Globalization:
sovereignty A Critical
Introduction
3 Terrorism & Examine global LO-1, LO- Case Gerges (2009),
Counterterrorism terrorism and 2 discussion The Far
counter- Enemy
strategies
4 Nuclear Assess causes LO-1, LO- Debate Sagan (2011),
Proliferation & and policies on 2 Causes of
Arms Control nuclear Nuclear
proliferation Proliferation
5 U.S.–China Analyze great LO-2 Seminar Mearsheimer
Rivalry power (2019), Bound
competition in to Fail
the 21st
century
6 Russia & Ukraine Evaluate LO-2 Class Charap (2019),
Crisis Russia’s discussion Russia,
resurgence and Ukraine, and
implications the West
RAND Report
7 Middle East Study regional LO-2, LO- Case study Lynch (2016),
Conflicts conflicts (Syria, 3 The New Arab
Palestine, Wars
Yemen) Brookings
excerpt
8 Midterm Review Integrate LO-1–LO- Review —
learning before 2 session
exam
9 MIDTERM EXAM — CLOs 30% —
evaluated
10 Trade Wars & Examine crisis LO-3 Group activity Hopewell
WTO Crisis in multilateral (2016),
trade Breaking the
WTO Excerpt
11 Belt & Road Explore China’s LO-3 Comparative Callahan
Initiative BRI and global analysis (2016),
governance “China’s Belt &
Road
Initiative”
12 Climate Change & Assess climate LO-3 Seminar Keohane &
Security change as a Victor (2011),
security issue “Regime
Complex for
Climate
Change”
13 Human Rights & Evaluate LO-3 Debate Betts (2013),
Refugees refugee Survival
governance & Migration
humanitarian
crises
14 Global Health & Apply IR to LO-3 Case Fidler (2020),
Pandemics pandemics reflection “COVID-19 &
(COVID-19, IR”
Ebola)
15 Cybersecurity, AI Discuss LO-3, LO- Student Valeriano &
& Digital cyberwarfare 4 presentations Maness
Governance and AI (2015), Cyber
challenges War vs Cyber
Realities
16 Course Review & Summarize key LO-1–LO- Mock exam & —
Final issues & 4 presentations
Presentations prepare for
final
Core Books (Open Access)
1. Sørensen, G., Jackson, R. (2022). Introduction to International Relations.
[Link]
2. Acharya, A. & Buzan, B. (2009). Non-Western International Relations Theory.
Academia [Link]
[Link]
3. Mearsheimer, J. (2019). Bound to Fail.
[Link]
ion/International%20Security_Bound%20to%[Link]
Recommended Readings
RAND, Brookings, UN reports on current crises
Open-access journals: International Security, Perspectives on Politics, Journal
of Contemporary China, All Azimuth
Important Instructions
Regularity & Punctuality: Strict attendance policy applies.
Class Decorum: Respectful participation is required.
No Gadgets: Mobile phones prohibited during class.
Special Needs: Accommodations as per university policy.
Deadlines: Assignments must be submitted on time.
Plagiarism: Any dishonesty will result in penalties.