Course Syllabus
Course: POLS 2100
Division: Social and Behavioral Science
Department: Social Science
Title: Introduction to International Relations
Semester Approved: Fall 2023
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2028
End Semester: Summer 2029
Catalog 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.
Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
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:
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 This outcome will be assessed primarily through exams, assignments, and quizzes.
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 This outcome is assessed through an exams, quizzes, and assignments.
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 Assignments, participation, and attendance will be used to assess this outcome.
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 This outcome will be assessed primarily through exams, quizzes, and assignments.
Students who successfully complete this course will have learned about the politics of International Relations by reading significant authors and authoritative texts. For this outcome quizzes, exams, and assignments will be used to measure whether this outcome is met.
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.) This outcome will be assessed through assignments and participation in class.
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.
Key Performance Indicators:
Exams and quizzes 40 to 60%
Discussion, attendance, participation 0 to 40%
Assignments 40 to 50%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
World Politics by Frieden, Lake, & Schultz. Current edition
Pedagogy Statement:
The primary method of educational delivery will be through lecture and discussion. Students will be required to participate in this small class where information will be shared and understood from multiple viewpoints. Students will engage in regular classroom activities that will enhance participation, communication, and well-being.Learning about international relations between foreign and domestic states is inherently inclusive due to the fact that diversity is incorporated throughout International Relations' curriculum. This class recruits and welcomes international students to Snow's campus. Furthermore, the Global Center for Engagement uses this course as a recruiting tool. All of this forms the method of teaching employed in this course that leads to a welcoming and engaging environment.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Maximum Class Size: 35
Optimum Class Size: 24
