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In practice this means that some of the complexities of the programs are not discussed. One goal of this text is simplicity, to introduce IR theoretical programs in a way that is readily accessible to undergraduates. As well as the difference between a theory and a theoretical program or paradigm. For example, the difference between deterministic and probabilistic theories, and empirical and normative theories. Instructors may also need to supplement the text with some background information about what a theory is, particularly in the social sciences.
Although either type of categorization you use (or any you choose to use) has its advantages and disadvantages, any instructor seeking to assign this book as a whole, rather than individual chapters, should be aware of this in order to consider whether it matches their approach. In the classroom I divide theories among the individual, domestic, and systemic (or structural) levels of analysis. The text divides theories among the three categories of traditional (realism and liberalism), middle (English school and constructivism) and critical (all the others). These are both paradigms I use in the classroom and this book would be more useful for my purposes if it included such chapters. Another omission is psychological perspectives. Although elements of race are integrated into some of the chapters (such as that on postcolonialism), there are now many texts available that talk about the importance of this paradigm for the study of IR, so it warrants its own stand-alone chapter. From my perspective, there are a couple of glaring omissions. Still, the editors acknowledge that the theoretical perspectives included in this book are not exhaustive of IR theory. Individual instructors can choose which chapters to include in their course based on their own needs in the classroom and pedagogical goals. The text is comprehensive, covering both the major paradigms introduced in the traditional IR classroom and additional perspectives that may need to be integrated more into the classroom for students to have a fuller comprehension of the academic field and the practice of international relations. McCarthy, Professor of Politics and International Relations, Drake University on 12/27/21 Journalism, Media Studies & Communications.