POSC 241: International Relations (GE)
Prerequisites: POSC 110
Three hours lecture (3)
Serves as the core course in the subfield of International Relations. International
relations focuses on how the interactions of states, international organizations,
and individuals can lead to war, promote peace, encourage cooperation, enforce international
law, and affect economic development. This course will provide the theoretical and
historical foundations necessary for analyzing and understanding international issues.
Note(s): General Education and Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course. Students
cannot receive credit for both POSC 140 and POSC 241.
Detailed Description of Course
POSC 241 begins with a discussion of theory itself that suggests a framework for the evaluation of what is generally called “theories of international relations.” Original texts and selections will be used to explore this question and present classic “theories” of international relations. Additional texts (or selections) will be introduced to allow discussion of the shortcomings of theory in the subfield and to point in the direction of a more genuine theoretical approach to international relations. Finally, the understanding of theory developed in the class and the critical survey of existing theories will be applied to a contemporary case study.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
POSC 241 employs lectures, class discussion, and written student essays/logs/projects. Basic classical texts will be "brought up to date" with readings that deal with contemporary problems and theories of international relations.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Having successfully completed POSC 241, students will have been introduced to major thinkers and themes in the field of international relations. Students will be able to deal with the leading concepts found in those thinkers and themes and present their findings in analytical essays and case studies.
This course provides a variety of perspectives, theories and methods for understanding and analyzing ourselves and the world through the conceptual framework of international relations. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
1) Continue a dialogue that is begun in POSC 110 on the problem of order and consciousness as it applies to political life. Expand that discussion with a further discussion of the meaning of theory and by examining theory within a specific subfield of political science.
2) Highlight the differences between the study of order within a political community and the same study among political communities and other international actors.
3) Demonstrate an understanding of the most important questions raised by international relations and the relationship of these questions to the study of political science as a whole.
4) Use the understanding of the good regime, the city in motion, and the city at rest to evaluate and interpret individual and collective behavior.
5) Construct logical and persuasive arguments, both orally and in writing, concerning the central questions raised by the readings.
Assessment Measures
Students will be assessed in two areas. Their ability to grasp the arguments about theory in general and specific theories of international relations will be assessed through analytical essays and theory logs. The ability to apply what they have learned about theories in international relations will be assessed through a project/case study concerning a particular topic in contemporary international relations. Topics may include (but are not limited to) the War on Terrorism, global environmental deterioration, international jurisdiction regarding war and human rights, or the relation of power to justice as seen in a selected contemporary issue such as genocide.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
March 31, 2016
April 2009
March 01, 2021