PSCI C183: Introduction to International Relations
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 10/01/2021 |
| Top Code | 220700 - Political Science |
| Units | 3 Total Units |
| Hours | 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S),
|
| Local General Education (GE) |
|
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
This course is an introduction to international relations theory with an examination of national, international, transnational, and sub-national actors and their institutions, interactions and processes as they relate to global issues. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: POLS 140.C-ID: POLS 140.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Evaluate international relations theories and apply relevant theoretical concepts and important findings to current international events.
- Identify key institutions and the roles of various levels of governmental and non-governmental actors in the international system
- Analyze the extent of cooperation and conflict in the international arena, including the evolution and various responsibilities of international organizations and the frequency and nature of warfare.
Course Objectives
- 1. Identify and explain the key theories, institutions, and controversies relating to international affairs.
- 2. Identify and explain contemporary issues in international relations.
- 3. Describe the roles of national, international, transnational, and sub-national actors
- 4. Analyze and evaluate key topics such as globalization, conflict, cooperation, diplomacy, international law, human rights, and international political economy.
- 5. Apply relevant theoretical political science concepts to evaluate historical and contemporary events and issues in international relations.
Lecture Content
A. Studying International Relations 1. The International System 2. Thinking Theoretically about International Relations 3. Rationalist Approaches in International Relations 4. Social and Psychological Approaches to International Relations 5. Critical Approaches in International RelationsB. War 1. The Origins of War 2. War, War Termination, and the Global Political Order 3. Military Power and Security Politics 4. Civil War and International Relations 5. Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Deterrence 6. Terrorism and Counterterrorism 7. Organized Coercion, War, and Political OrderC. States, Sovereignty, and Failed States 1. Domestic Politics and International Relations 2. Democracy in International Relations 3. Great Power PoliticsD. Global Governance 1. International Law 2. International Norms 3. Collective Identity in International Relations 4. Global Civil Society and Transnational ActivistsE. Global Economic Integration 1. Trade Policy 2. The International Politics of Exchange Rates 3. The International Politics of Capital Flows 4. International Organizations in the Global Economy 5. Poverty and Development 6. International Migration 7. Environmental Politics 8. Global Economic Integration and the StateF. Stability and Change in the International System
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Instructional Techniques
A variety of instructional techniques will be employed to encompass different student learning styles. These may include but are not limited to, lectures and explanations of arguments, issues, topics, terms, and concepts, focusing on argument analysis, criticism, and evaluation. Class discussions and small group activities may be utilized, as well as reading and analysis of primary sources. Instruction will be supplemented, where appropriate, by PowerPoint presentations, electronic resources and technologies, guest speakers, and field trips.
Reading Assignments
Students will complete reading assignments from the textbook as well as any supplemental primary source readings, handouts, internet resources, and assignments from the Coastline Library.
Writing Assignments
Students will complete assignments such as term papers, reports, exam essays or other written work designed to assess their ability to construct a coherent argument utilizing political science theory and concepts. Assignments will require students to demonstrate higher-order thinking: analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Out-of-class Assignments
Outside of the classroom students will do the required reading, study for quizzes and exams, and conduct research, where applicable, to prepare papers and essays.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Students will demonstrate critical thinking through written work such as essays and papers as well as active participation in class discussions. Assignments will require students to demonstrate higher-order thinking: analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Students will be required to demonstrate the ability to analyze the nature of government and politics by completing one or more essays or papers.The student will complete writing assignments based on research in which they will have to discern the political arguments and possible theories being used. They will also evaluate sources for their credibility.
Eligible Disciplines
Political science: Masters degree in political science, government, or international relations OR bachelors degree in any of the above AND masters degree in economics, history, public administration, social science, sociology, any ethnic studies, J.D., or LL.B. OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Goldstein, Joshua; Pevehouse, Jon. International Relations, 12th ed. Pearson, 2020 2. Required McDonald, P; Chapman, T; Moser, R. An Introduction to International Relations: Opening the Global System, 1st ed. Pearson, 2021 3. Required Singh, Pavnett. International Relations, 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill, 2020
Other Resources
1. Coastline Library