1) Course overview, methods of evaluation, defining terminology 2) A history of the development of postcolonial studies and its leading proponents and opponents.

To examine the application of postcolonial critical thought within IR theory; readdressing current understandings of global power dynamics and concepts of hegemony, sovereignty and the nation-state.

Building on the primary theoretical concepts of critical IR theory with a series of real-world examples of “global” IR theory from a host of regions and states; including, Japan, China, India, and North America mapping the growing field of “non-Western IR” theory.

Using the British colonial experience as a foundation – namely the ‘scramble for Africa,’ the colonization of India and the development of ‘gunboat diplomacy’ in Asia, students will learn the origins, motivations and outcomes of the European ‘new imperialist’ era and how it may be better understood through a postcolonial critical lens.

Using a series of current African thinkers, students will analyze the leading challenges faced by young postcolonial African nation-states (in the 1950s, 60s and 70s); not only from the spatial, political and economic perspectives but critically, the cultural and sociological. Ghana will be used as a central case study.

Based on all classes and readings up to this point of the semester. The exam will be in the form of two short essays.

To understand the significance of the European colonial and postcolonial eras on the development and maintenance of a global free trade system and the expansion of laisse-faire capitalist practices beyond the West.

Using France as a European colonial case study, students will learn of this power’s colonial methods in Algeria during the post-WWII period. A screening of the 1966 film, 'The Battle of Algiers' will help illuminate the particulars of the early stages of the Algerian Revolution, and more broadly, the outcomes of using militant terrorist violence in the pursuit of post-colonial independence.

Continuing on from the previous week’s content, students will now move deeper into the topic of violence and resistance using a series of case studies (Israel-Palestine, South Africa and Myanmar). Students will aim to understand the arguments for and against such actions, and how perspectives and positionalities greatly impact this understanding within a postcolonial context.

Students will present a 10–12-minute case study drawing from theories and concepts from the course readings thus far. (Available topics on NEO)

Students will present a 10–12-minute case study drawing from theories and concepts from the course readings thus far. (Available topics on NEO)

Utilizing Homi Bhabha’s concept of Hybridity, as discussed in Class One, students will apply this theory practically within state foreign policy and international relations more broadly, aiming to establish a potentially more nuanced and respectful form of interaction.

This week students will be given a close look into the world of international humanitarianism with a special guest lecture from MSF Field Communications Manager, Tomas Bendl, who recently returned from a ten month mission in Taliban controlled Afghanistan. Tomas previously worked in various emergency and coordination roles in Ukraine, South Sudan and the Czech Republic. Prior to joining MSF, he worked in advocacy and communications for the Forum 2000 Foundation and UNICEF.

Based on all classes and readings from the whole course. The exam will be in the form of two short essays.