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Course Syllabus

POLS 2100 Introduction to International Relations

  • Division: Social and Behavioral Science
  • Department: Social Science
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
  • Semesters Offered: Spring
  • Semester Approved: Fall 2023
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2029
  • End Semester: Summer 2029
  • Optimum Class Size: 24
  • Maximum Class Size: 35

Course Description

Students will examine the international political system; analyze the cause of conflict and the various approaches to peace through a study of balance of power theories, disarmament, diplomacy, and international organizations. Also, students will examine economic forms of power, political economy, environmental concerns, and humanitarian issues within an international framework.

Justification

There is a growing need for a course on international relations. Students need the knowledge and the tools whereby they can effectively communicate in a global economy and understand the complex international system from a variety of perspectives. International Relations is a core requirement for most four year political science programs and will provide our students with a well rounded perspective of the international system and the many issues and phenomena it encompasses.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to identify the specific characteristics of the international system, the concepts of anarchy, sovereignty, balance of power, and the consequences of power distribution
  2. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to explain the role of alliances: military alliances such as NATO and collective alliances such as the United Nations
  3. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to compare and contrast different types of international conflicts, such as territorial disputes, economic conflicts, and ethnic, religious, and ideological conflicts
  4. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to identify and explain different military force employed by states, including weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, biological, chemical) and their proliferation
  5. Students who successfully complete this course will have learned about the politics of International Relations by reading significant authors and authoritative texts.
  6. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to discuss the role of world trade in international relations, including specific trade agreements (GATT, NAFTA, etc.)

Course Content

International Relations is a field that explores global situations and conflict. Global issues are examined and lead to an increased understanding of the world and cultures outside of America. Students learn about politics, culture, and the relations between America and various other nations.Content for this class could include (but is not limited to): Introduction to International Relations: Concepts, IR Actors, Issues, Methods, The Realist Perspective, The Liberal Perspective, Conflict Approaches, International Security, International Political Economy, International Terrorism, Environmental Issues, Humanitarian Issues.