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Introduction to International Relations (240-0-20)

Instructors

Danielle Aryn Gilbert

Meeting Info

Lutkin Hall: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Instructor: Danielle Gilbert

In Introduction to International Relations, students will examine, engage, and confront the myriad challenges of contemporary world politics. Through historical and current events—including examples from war and peace, law and law-breaking, and cross-border trade and finance—we will compare and apply alternative lenses for understanding world politics, including power, interests, institutions, values, psychology, gender, race, and class. This course combines theoretical, practical, and historical material to explore questions related to sovereignty, legitimacy, globalization, security, cooperation, violence, nationalism, and human rights. Students will gain an understanding of the emergence of the modern international system and the tools to analyze emerging threats and challenges, from the climate crisis and global health to the intersection of technology and security.

Learning Objectives

By the completion of this class, students should be able to:


  • Identify and apply core concepts of international relations, including the "levels of analysis," sovereignty, anarchy, legitimacy, and norm

  • Describe and compare competing theoretical perspectives for explaining events in world politics, including power, interests, institutions, values, psychology, gender, race, and class

  • Apply and assess the ability of competing perspectives to explain historical, contemporary, and emerging challenges in international relations, with a focus on conflict and cooperation

    • Teach others (through written, verbal, or the creative medium of your choice) about a chosen concept in
  • international relations

Teaching Method

Lecture and discussion section

Evaluation Method

Midterm exam, communication project, final exam, class participation

Class Materials (Required)

World Politics: Interests, Interactions, Institutions. by Jeffry A Frieden, David A Lake, and Kenneth A Schultz. Norton, Fifth Edition, 2021.

Ebook ISBN: 978-0-393-87222-4
Looseleaf ISBN: 978-0-393-87224-8
Paperback ISBN: 978-0-393-87223-1

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area