Where Have All the Theories Gone? Teaching Theory in Introductory Courses in International Relations

Abstract

In an effort to determine the extent and level of theoretical coverage in introductory International Relations (IR) textbooks, we conduct both latent and manifest analyses of IR theories in 18 undergraduate texts in the discipline. Focusing on realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, and feminism, we find the bulk of theoretical content in chapters that specifically focus on theory. There is much less theoretical discussion in the issue chapters of most introductory texts. While some continue to stress, highlight, and even expand upon the theories in subsequent chapters, just as many focus on the content of the issues and less on providing students with a theoretical assessment of that issue. We discuss the pedagogical ramifications of these findings.