Introduction to the core issues and approaches used to understand the international system. The study of international relations broadly encompasses the fields of political economy and international security, both of which will be covered in this course, along with increasingly prominent cross-border issues that require global governance (countries working together to resolve problems). This class may include students from multiple sections. (Social Sciences, Elective)
Course Outcomes
- Identify and discuss the main theoretical perspectives used to analyze international relations.
- Apply theoretical concepts and perspectives to concrete, contemporary world events and issues.
- Analyze the roles played by state and non-state actors in the international system.
- Understand significant events in the history of international relations (e.g., the two World Wars, colonialism, and the Cold War).
- Recognize and evaluate the increasing importance of issues that transcend state boundaries such as the environment, terrorism, etc.
- Analyze how globalization is making the world “shrink” by leading to an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world.
- Identify and locate countries, continents, etc. on a map.