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.