Nov. 23, 2020
What We Are Learning This Week with Dr. Kim-Lee Tuxhorn!
November 23, 2020 in POLI 681 Advanced Analysis of International Relations
Dr. Kim-Lee Tuxhorn is exploring how international organizations influence state behaviour.
Can you tell us a little more about this topic?
A leading research question facing scholars in international relations (IR) asks how international organizations (IOs) influence the behaviour of autonomous state actors. Some scholars argue that IOs are a reflection of state interest and thus do not have an independent influence on state behaviour. Other scholars argue that IOs play an important role in shaping (or socializing) member-states’ interests. In this week’s readings, we examine the empirical evidence and theoretical nuances of these two camps.
What else do you cover in your course?
POLI 681 offers students a broad survey of the great debates in international relations. The first half of the course focuses on the major paradigms in the field, including realism, liberalism, and constructivism. The second half introduces students to major research programs within the different subfields of international relations (conflict, international organizations, and international political economy).
What are some your most rewarding moments from this course?
This semester we’ve been using Slack, an online platform originally designed to help “teams” communicate and manage projects. We’re using Slack in a course-setting to bolster peer-learning and increase student interaction. Every week students pose and answer questions about the readings to their Slack teams. I’m truly impressed with my students’ level of engagement. Their responses are candid and insightful. My class has even taught me some new urban slang this semester. I fell hip.J
Finally, what other courses would you recommend for students interested this topic?
For undergraduates, I would suggest taking POLI 381 Intro to International Relations, POLI 483 International Law, and my course on POLI 485 International Political Economy.
For graduates, we have a great selection of advanced IR courses, including POLI 687 Advanced Studies in Canadian Arctic Security, POLI 681 Advanced Studies in Foreign Policy, and POLI 685 Strategic Studies.