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Introduction to International Relations (240-0-20)

Instructors

Isabella Bellezza

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L07: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

In Introduction to International Relations, students will be introduced to key historical moments, core concepts, and major theoretical approaches that scholars use to understand conflict and cooperation in the international system. We will apply these tools to central problems in world politics, including the initiation of war, economic globalization, the promises and limits of international law, and the making and unmaking of international order. The course is divided into three parts: (1) Foundations: the modern international system and prevailing theoretical approaches; (2) The Problem of War; and (3) Economic Globalization and the Future of the Liberal International Order.

Learning Objectives

  1. Define and recognize core—but often complex and contested—IR concepts such as international order, sovereignty, power, and collective-action problems;
  2. Compare and evaluate competing theoretical perspectives and their ability to explain enduring and emerging challenges in international relations;
  3. Communicate an international relations concept clearly to a non-specialist audience through written, oral, or creative work (e.g., a podcast, video, visual essay, infographic, or other approved medium).

Teaching Method

Lecture and discussion section

Evaluation Method

Students will be assessed based on two midterm exams (20% each), one final exam (30%), one communications project (20%), and participation in discussion sections (10%).

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

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration -- Reserved for Political Science students until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites.

Associated Classes

DIS - University Hall 218: Wed 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - University Hall 118: Wed 5:00PM - 5:50PM

DIS - University Hall 318: Thurs 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - University Hall 412: Thurs 5:00PM - 5:50PM