Introduction to International Relations (240-0-20)
Instructors
Isabella Bellezza
2001 Sheridan Road, 3215
Office Hours: By appointment only
Meeting Info
2001 Sheridan GPC 1440: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
In Introduction to International Relations (IR), students will be introduced to key historical moments, core concepts, and major theoretical approaches used to understand conflict and cooperation in world affairs. We will apply these tools to central topics in both international security (such as the causes of war, alliance politics, nuclear weapons, and terrorism) and international political economy (such as international trade, finance, borders, and the environment), as well as to topics of current political concern (such as new technologies, democratic backsliding, and outer space).
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Define and recognize core IR concepts such as international order, sovereignty, power, deterrence, collective-action, and weaponized interdependence.
- Compare and evaluate competing theoretical perspectives and their ability to explain enduring and emerging challenges in international relations.
- Communicate an international relations concept clearly to a non-specialist audience in the context of a current event.
Evaluation Method
Students will be evaluated with two in-class exams, one in-class communication exercise, and section participation.
Class Materials (Required)
Jeffry A. Frieden, David A. Lake, and Kenneth A. Schultz. World Politics: Interests, Interactions, Institutions, 6th Edition. WW Norton & Company, 2026.
Class Attributes
Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
SoC Individual and Social Behavior Distro
Associated Classes
DIS - 2001 Sheridan GPC 1135: Wed 4:00PM - 4:50PM
DIS - 2001 Sheridan GPC 1135: Wed 5:00PM - 5:50PM
DIS - Annenberg Hall G30: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - Annenberg Hall G30: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM