Take Home Assignment Part I

Department of International Relations
Bangladesh University of Professionals
BIR-2017, Third Batch, First Semester
IR-1101: Introduction to International Relations
TAKE HOME ASSIGNMENT (PART I)
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Write the answer of the following questions. You MUST use the reading materials provided by
the instructor. Besides, you can use additional references available in open sources. The use of
additional references will be awarded with additional marks.
It MUST be handwritten in A4 size pages (both-sided) and decorated by a COVER PAGE. You
MUST submit two copies of the assignment using PUNCH FILES.
MENTION the name of the references in your answer script. Write them as each broad question
contains 10 marks (minimum 5 pages) [both-sided] and each short note contains as 5 marks
(minimum 2.5 pages) [both-sided].

You MUST answer the HIGHLIGHTED PART with care. It is all about your individual opinion.
Total marks for this individual assignment is 10. This TAKE HOME ASSIGNMENT will be
considered as CLASS TEST ONE. You last DATE OF SUBMISSION is March 27, 2017.

1. International Relations: Definition, Nature and Scope
(a) How do you evaluate the concepts of international relations? Discuss the nature and scope of
International Relations. How do you evaluate IR as a discipline in the 21st century?
Suggested Readings:
 Goldstei , Joshua “., International Relations , Pris illa M Geeha ,
, Fourth Editio , pp. -6
 “ut h, Peter & Elias, Jua ita, International Relations: The Basics , ‘outledge,
7, pp. 1-5
 De etak, ‘i hard et al., An Introduction to International Relations , Ca ridge U i ersity Press,
pp. 1-4
2. Evolution of International Relations as an Academic Discipline
(a) Describe the traditions of thoughts of International Relations. Critically evaluate the development of
International Relations as an Academic Discipline.
(b) Critically analyze the established debates in International Relations. Reason out your opinion about
the predominance of any particular IR theory.
Suggested Readings:

 Devetak, Richard et al., An Introduction to International Relations, Cambridge University Press,
2012, pp. 4-19

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Sutch, Peter & Elias, Jua ita, International Relations: The Basics , ‘outledge,
7, pp. 7-13
Be ey orth, I a , The Great Debates in International Relations Theory , “ hool of Europea
Studies, Cardiff University, 2011

3. Concept of State
(a) What is your understanding of state ? Discuss the basic criteria and functions of statehood. Critically
evaluate the evolution of the modern concept of state.
(b) States are still the main actor of international relations – Do you agree with the statement? Give
your reasons with relevant examples.
Suggested Readings:
 Reus-Smit, Christian et al., The Oxford Handbook of International Relations, Sage Publication,
2002.
 Goldstein, S. Joshua., International Relations, Fourth Edition, Library of Congress, 2001.

 Salmon, C. Trevor, Issues in International Relations, Second Edition, Routledge, 2008.
 Creveld, van Martin, The Rise and Decline of the State, Cambridge University Press, 1999.
4. Concept of Sovereignty, Nation and Nation-state
(a) Discuss the concepts of sovereignty . Compare and contrast the philosophical understandings of
Jean Bodin, Thomas Hobbes and Immanuel Kant on the concepts of sovereignty.
(b) Write Short Notes:
Differences between State, Nation and Nation-state
Suggested Readings:
 Reus-Smit, Christian et al., The Oxford Handbook of International Relations, Sage Publication,
2002.
 Goldstein, S. Joshua., International Relations, Fourth Edition, Library of Congress, 2001.
 Salmon, C. Trevor, Issues in International Relations, Second Edition, Routledge, 2008.
5. Non-State Actors in International Politics
(a) How do you define non-state actors ? Discuss the characteristics and historical development and
role of non-state actors in international politics.
(b) Critically assess the typology of non-state actors. How do you evaluate the role of private armies in
interstate conflict ?
Suggested Readings:
 Josseli , Daph e & Walla e, Willia , Non-State Actors in World Politics , Palgra e, 01.
 2. Goldstein, S. Joshua., International Relations, Fourth Edition, Library of Congress, 2001, pp.

14-17
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. DCAF, Ar ed No -State Actors: Current Trends and Future Challe ges ,
5.