Different peoples, cultures, and governments interact and are more interconnected than ever before in history. These individuals, governments, and organizations engage in trade, war, international law, and puzzle out how to deal with nuclear weapons, international finance, human rights, the environment. Connecting all of these topics is the theme of international politics, where ideas, individuals, and governments cooperate and conflict with one another. This course provides an introduction to how these interactions work in the international system.

This course has four overarching objectives. First, students will be introduced to the major theories of international relations. Second, students will learn how to analyze and evaluate theoretical arguments. The third objective is to apply these theories to current events. Finally, students will learn to create cogent and parsimonious arguments both orally and in writing.

Introduction to International Relations is an introductory survey course designed to introduce students to the study of international politics and international affairs.

Syllabus