The 2011 IIR Summer Seminar
"History & Philosophy of International Relations"

Since the summer of 1992, the Institute of International Relations (IIR) of Panteion University of Athens has been organizing annually an international graduate summer school on International Relations. Its overall purpose is to provide a forum for high quality academic work and to provide opportunities for the creation and consolidation of scholarly networks of cooperation. The program has, thus far, brought together around 400 students from over 37 countries.

 

Seminar Description

The discipline of IR has been deeply divided on many theoretical issues throughout its history. Many of these debates have been linked to developments in the philosophy of social sciences. Indeed, to slightly paraphrase Lakatos's felicitous observation, "philosophy of IR without history of IR is empty; history of IR without philosophy of IR is blind". This remark captures accurately the aim of this seminar, whose purpose is twofold: a) to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art in IR theory; and b) to maintain a focus on the flow of theoretical ideas in the history of IR and connect this evolution with issues in the philosophy of social sciences in a synthetic and accessible way.

 

Opening address:

 

John Mearsheimer, R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago; Co-director, Program on International Security Policy University of Chicago.

 

2011 Faculty:

 

Constantine Arvanitopoulos, Professor of International Relations, Panteion University.

 

Andreas Gofas, Lecturer in International Relations, Panteion University; IIR Research Fellow.

 

Knud Erik Jørgensen, Professor of International Relations, Aarhus University, Denmark; Chair of the ECPR Standing Group on IR.

 

John Mearsheimer, R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago; Co-director, Program on International Security Policy University of Chicago.

 

Harry Papassotiriou, Professor of International Politics, Panteion University; IIR Deputy Director.

 

---

 

Testimonials

 

The summer school on "History and Philosophy of International Relations" is a wonderful learning experience for students who want to know more about how the world works. The IIR does a terrific job organizing the various sessions and making sure that the lectures and discussion are interesting and informative. Tinos also provides an ideal environment for talking about international politics in a relaxed atmosphere. This program is a winner.   John Mearsheimer R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago.

 

 

Attending the 2011 Tinos Summer School on International Relations was a most rewarding experience and gave me an excellent opportunity to teach highly skilled and motivated students. Striking the right balance between ’summer’ and ’school’, the Tinos experience is intensive. Coffee breaks and excursions were great opportunities to continue exchanging opinions on the issues presented during the morning sessions. The Tinos summer school has a very well structured programme and is characterized by a stimulating and friendly atmosphere.   Knud Erik Jørgensen, Professor of International Relations, Aarhus University, Denmark.

 

 

---

 

Fees

Tuition fees have been waved. There is only a lump sum of 300€ that covers:

 

a) shared hotel accommodation with breakfast in a double occupancy room,

b) transportation from Athens to Tinos and back, and

c) excursion to two traditional villages and the local marble-crafting museum.

 

All participants are expected to pay for their own travel to and from Athens.

 

---

 

How to Apply

Applicants should be (post-) graduate students working towards Masters or Ph.D. degrees, but we usually admit some advanced undergraduates as well. All applicants should be fluent in English.

 

For further inquiries please contact Ms. Maria Deca, email: deca@idis.gr, tel.: +30 210 33.12.325, fax: +30 210 33.13.575.

 

Please download the application form from the web and submit electronically by April 22, 2011 April 29, 2011. Places are limited and will be awarded on merit. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Decisions will be mailed out on April 28, 2011 May 5, 2011. Admitted foreign students will be provided with all necessary documentation in support of a visa application, if this is needed.