Introduction to International Relations

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Subject:

Social Sciences

Institution Name:

The Saylor Foundation

Collection:

Saylor Foundation

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Abstract:

This course seeks to provide a basic understanding of foreign affairs and the fundamental principles of international relations within a political science framework. It will examine the theories of realism and liberalism, which will serve as the foundation for more advanced study in international relations and help students develop the critical thinking skills needed in order to analyze conflicts between states. Additionally, the course will explore issues that relate to the politics of global welfare, such as war, world poverty, disease, trade policy, environmental concerns, human rights, terrorism, the global distribution of wealth, the concept of the balance of power, and what happens in the international system when the balance of power collapses. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: Discuss and explain the various analytical and theoretical positions used in the subfield of international relations to explain world politics; Delineate the historical development of interstate relations and the place of the nation state in that development; Describe specific issues that have relevance to the study of interstate relations, national security, war, economic integration, trade, and so forth; Describe the differences between national and transnational actors in the international arena, both public and private; Distinguish between the three levels of analysis of the international system: individual, domestic, and global; Discuss the role of national power and diplomacy in international relations; Discuss the nature and development of international organizations; Identify and discuss major issues associated with international law and morality; Identify and discuss major issues of the international economy; Identify and discuss major issues related to human rights; Identify and discuss global environmental issues; Discuss the economic relationship between the North and South. (Political Science 211)

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Assessments, Audio Lectures, Full Course, Readings, Syllabi

Media Format:

Audio, Text/HTML, Downloadable docs, Video

Conditions of Use:

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0
You are welcome to share, remix, and adapt this course under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License; however, many linked materials within this course are copyright of their respective authors/owners and may not be openly-licensed. Please respect the copyright and terms of use associated with each resource.

Copyright Holder:

The Saylor Foundation