An introduction to the major principles, concepts, actors, and theories of the international system and their application to current issues in world affairs.
• Understand the background and historical development of the current international system
• Gain a broad understanding of various theoretical paradigms and how they inform policy.
• Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of theories of international relations and apply them in analyzing events and outcomes in world affairs.
• Understand the basic structure and operations of global governance as well as its key actors and institutions.
• Become competent in the basic language of our field as well as methodologies used to advance its research
There is no required textbook for this course. All readings are either posted to Canvas or will be handed out in class. All readings are subject to change; however, students will be notified in advance. Unless otherwise noted, all readings, audio files, or videos are mandatory. In addition, if you feel you would like or need a textbook, one can be recommended to you as well the corresponding pages to what we will be covering.
Exams (E1-25%, E2-25%) - The exams will test your knowledge of the material covered in lecture, the text, as well as any supplemental readings. I anticipate the exam format will consist of a combination of multiple choice, True/False, and short answer. Please note that the final exam is not cumulative and only covers the second half of the course. As such, it will be the same format as the first exam including the length of time you have to take the exam (75 minutes unless there are accommodations). In addition, Canvas may be utilized for the exams. If this is done, institute approved anti-cheating/plagiarism/anti-AI technology. I will address this as we move closer to the exam dates.
Short policy briefing assignment (group activity) (20%) Each person will be assigned to a small group and you will provided weekly briefings on an assigned issue are. These are relatively short assignments but will allow you to become content experts in key areas of international politics. Greater details and group assignments will come after Drop/Add. There will be roughly 5-6 of these during the semester. A portion of this grade is determined by your peers.
Reading assignments/quizzes (20%) These will either be short assignments based on either the readings, material from class, current events, or discussion and will be posted and submitted through Canvas. Or “Unannounced” quizzes on the readings. Quizzes will be multiple choice or True/False type questions and mostly done in class. However, there may be the occasional one posted to Canvas. I will be dropping your lowest grade
Participation (10% total) – This will be based partially on attendance, discussions, and in class assignments and group activities.
A = 100-90; B = 89-80; C = 79-70; D = 69-60; F = 59 and below. Mid-term grades or progress reports will be listed as S = Satisfactory, meaning 70 and above, or U = Unsatisfactory, indicating a grade below 70. If you are taking the class Pass/Fail, then the same mid-term grade standard will also be applied for a final grade of “S” = Satisfactory as well. Thus, a 70 is required for passing.
All assignments submitted through Canvas will use Turnitin software for AI/Plagiarism detection. The use of AI in this class is not acceptable for any assignment and will be penalized if detected up to receiving a zero and submission to OSI for further consideration if it so warrants.
Attendance and Participation: First and foremost, you cannot participate if you are not in class. Thus, attendance is expected and if you miss a class you are responsible for getting the material from another student. Please before you leave class on the first day find a “note taking buddy” so that if either of you miss you are covered. Lecture slides will not be available online. It should be noted that the slides are primarily outlines and only represent a portion of the material. Thus, there is value to being in class.
*Excused Absence policy – This course will follow the University’s policy for excused absences. Absences for medical or personal emergencies will be excused upon verification by the Office of Student Life. You can find an outline of the policy here http://www.catalog.gatech.edu/policies/student-absence-regulations/ This would apply to illness as well as personal emergencies. Please review this page if you are not familiar with it. In addition, all institute approved absences will honored, which would include university sanctioned function, athletics, etc. when accompanied by the appropriate documentation. Absences resulting from oversleeping, alarms not going off, computer crashes, drink or food specials, lost wallets, lost purses, or dogs eating papers, books, flash drives, etc. will not be considered approved absences. This policy only applies to exams and will not apply to reading/homework assignments unless you have a prolonged absence or condition.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
All assignments submitted through Canvas will use Turnitin software for AI/Plagiarism detection. The use of AI in this class is not acceptable for any assignment and will be penalized if detected up to receiving a zero and submission to OSI for further consideration if it so warrants.
INTA 1110 Introduction to International Relations
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Social Sciences area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help students master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I understand human experiences and connections?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
- Students will effectively analyze the complexity of human behavior, and how historical, economic, political, social, or geographic relationships develop, persist, or change.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Intercultural Competence
- Perspective-Taking
- Persuasion