- Course Catalog Description:
- Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
- Class Notes:
- http://classinfo.umn.edu/?fazal007+POL1025+Fall2018
- Class Description:
This course provides an introduction to the study of international relations. We will cover several approaches to and issues in the field, including the causes of war and peace, nuclear proliferation, trade, finance, globalization, international law, the environment, and terrorism. We will discuss several cases, such as the 2003 Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis, throughout the semester. We will also discuss current events in international relations.
- Who Should Take This Class?:
- There are no prerequisites for this course. This course is meant as an introduction to international relations, and is thus suitable for any student interested in gaining an entry-level understanding and overview of this topic.
- Learning Objectives:
- By the end of the semester, students should have gained an understanding of:
- The role of the state in international politics
- Basic theories of international relations and their application to questions of conflict and cooperation
- The challenges of international bargaining and diplomacy
- Ongoing issues in international relations
- Grading:
Course grades will be based on:
One ~1000 word paper analyzing an in-class exercise (10%)
Statecraft* quizzes and memos (10%)
One in-class mid-term examination (20%)
One ~1500 word policy paper based on critical analysis of course readings, lectures, and your own research (15%)
Final examination (35%)
Participation in Statecraft (10%)
*Statecraft is an online platform that implements a simulation of international politics. Statecraft memos should be at least 300 words and must be posted before each turn starts, beginning with Turn 1. These memos should detail challenges faced and strategies recommended for your country for each turn, and also should focus on your role within the simulation (e.g., the defense minister must include a defense budget for each turn). Each student must take both Statecraft quizzes and complete memos every other week, beginning with Week 1 or Week 2. In addition, students will be evaluated by both the T.A.'s and their peers regarding their participation in Statecraft. Students are responsible for turning memos in and taking quizzes on time. Statecraft will not accept late assignments, and you will lose credit for these assignments if they are submitted late.
- Exam Format:
- The midterm exam is in-class and closed book.
The final examination will have an in-class component that will be administered on the last day of class and a take-home essay portion that will be distributed on following the final class session and due approximately five days later.
- Class Format:
- This class will meet twice weekly. Each session is 75 minutes. Class sessions will be a mix of lecture, discussion, and Statecraft.
- Workload:
- - Approximately 50 pages of reading assigned per session
- Statecraft will begin approximately the fourth week of class. Students should plan to spend at least 30 minutes/week (outside of class) on Statecraft, and may certainly choose to spend additional time.
- Students are expected to attend class.
- Workload for course assignments (see "Grading," above) will vary by student.
- Textbooks:
- https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17270/1189
- Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
- 19 March 2018