This course will help students to understand the background and historical development of the current international system. Together, we will come to understand the various theoretical paradigms and explore how each is used to analyze international relations and inform policy. In addition, the class will learn about the various structures of global governance including international institutions, international law, and human rights. In order to do all this, the course will take advantage of readings, lectures, discussions, as well as various pieces of pop culture that reaffirm the importance of these concepts. By the end of the semester, students will be proficient in the basic language of the field, be able to view international relations utilizing multiple theoretical lenses, apply these theories when analyzing current world events and will capable of explaining their analysis to others.
• 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, on reserve in the library, 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.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
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.
Group assignment (20%) Each student will be assigned to a small group responsible for a presentation on one piece of pop culture and its use of international affairs. Greater details and group assignments will come after Drop/Add. 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. There is also the possibility of “unannounced” quizzes on the readings if we continue to have a lack of reading. 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 and please remember the AI and honor code policies of the class when doing these assignments.*
Participation (10% total) – This will be based partially on attendance, discussions, and in class assignments and group activities.**
* Generally, there are a combination of 6-9 homework assignments/quizzes a semester, but that number can vary.
**You can have two missed classes before it will impact your grade. Typically, there are between 7-10 class participation measurements a semester.
GRADING PROCEDURES
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.
In addition, Canvas will be used only for posting grades and NOT GRADE CALCULATION. Thus, students should not use any calculation made by the system as being representative of their actual grade in the class.
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 https://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.
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.
By attending Georgia Tech you have all committed to upholding the ideals of honor and integrity as well as refusing to betray this trust that has been bestowed upon you as a member of our academic community (https://policylibrary.gatech.edu/student-life/academic-honor-code). Any student who is suspected of violations of this honor code including but not limited to cheating or plagiarizing on a quiz, exam, or assignment will be automatically reported to the Office of Student Integrity. This office will investigate the incident as well as recommend the penalties for the violations.
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