In this wide-ranging introduction to the study of international politics, we will be exploring how states and non-state actors negotiate their interactions in an increasingly interconnected, interdependent and globalized world. Core themes will include: contending theoretical approaches to international relations (realism, liberalism/idealism, constructivism, structuralism, Marxism, feminism and post-colonialism); historical evolution of the international system; foreign policies of major global and regional powers; the growing international influence of non-state transnational actors such as terrorist networks and humanitarian non-governmental organizations; multilateral organizations and other institutional architectures of global governance; alternative global futures; and case studies of policy responses and solutions to major global issues, including economic inequality, environmental challenges, armed conflicts, and other forms of humanitarian crises.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course, you should be able to:
(1) critically evaluate different theoretical frameworks for interpreting global politics;
(2) use appropriate conceptual tools and vocabulary to discuss and make sense of complex global issues;
(3) identify and analyze the enduring issues and challenges that have dominated global politics over time;
(4) critically assess the relative merits of alternative policy options for responding to contemporary global problems.
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 4
T/F 8:30AM - 10:20AM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: All courses , Fully In-Person , Politics
Tags: conflict , globalization , policy , politics , theory , Writing