Large Undergraduate Classes “Teaching International Relations Theory in Large Classes”

This chapter reflects upon how teaching IR theory can be influenced and approached in large classes. It is argued that large classes, despite their negative reputations can be meaningful learning environments and spaces to teach IR theory. Instructors can overcome issues of student engagement, performance and critical thinking if variation in teaching strategies and assessment approaches is emphasized and centered around engaging our students to apply IR theory tenets to real world examples. Through reflecting upon experience, the author discusses the efficacy of differing approaches and encourages all who teach IR in large classes to ensure they think careful about which theoretical traditions are prioritized and ensure the contexts in which they operate are represented.