This course is intended to introduce students to the study of International Affairs. This is a political science course focused on the history and development of theories relating to the international system and how this translates to foreign policy. It will cover the main IR theories in the first half of the course, then moving on to real-world applications to understand current events and global governance.
- 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 and lectures are posted to Canvas. All readings are subject to change; however, students will be notified in advance. Unless otherwise noted, all readings, audio files, or videos are mandatory.
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.
There is no schedule for this course. You are expected to complete the readings/lectures/videos in the modules section prior to each exam.
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.
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