Go to [International Futures][Syllabi]
This course is an interactive overview of international relations. During the semester, you will discuss a variety of topics ranging from the history of the international system to the contemporary problems facing international actors. You will also participate in a variety of active learning exercises to provide you with a hands-on grasp of the way international relations works and the choices that you have to make as you participate in the world political-economic system.
Hopefully, through this interactive process, you will be engaged directly in the material of the course instead of sitting passively and listening to lecture after lecture about international relations. As a result, you are required to participate actively in this class if this class is to be a successful learning experience. You will take part in a week-long in-class simulation exercise dealing with the problems of development in the less-developed world and a second three week-long computer-assisted, Internet-based international relations simulation.
If we are successful in our endeavors, you will come away with
not only a factual knowledge of world affairs, but, more importantly, with
the ability to analyze the events that transpire around you. In other words,
you will hopefully learn some of the "what's" of international relations
and also be able to provide your own "why's" to explain international affairs
in a rigorous, analytical way.
Jan. 23 - Jan. 26 - Studying Your World
Jan. 30 - Why Nations (and others) Act in International Affairs - The
Levels of Analysis
Feb. 9 - International Law
Feb. 25, 27 - International Conflict and Security
March 9, 11 - International Conflict and Security
March 13 - MID-TERM EXAM
March 14-22 - Spring Break
March 23 and 25 - Economics and the North
April 3, 6 and 8 - Understanding the Future
April 24, 27, 29 - In-Class IFs Presentations
April 1 and May 4 - The International Environment: Toward Sustainable
Development