PSCI G110: International Relations
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 05/07/2024 |
| 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 |
| Open Entry/Open Exit | 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 provides an introduction to world politics as it relates to national conflict and international cooperation. Important to this course is an examination of various levels of governmental and non-governmental actors and their institutions, interactions, and processes as they relate to global issues. ADVISORY: ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: POLS 140. C-ID: POLS 140.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Course Outcomes
- Identify the roles of various levels of governmental and non-governmental actors in the international system.
- Evaluate international relations theories and apply relevant theoretical concepts and important findings to current international events.
- Utilize investigative methods and technologies to analyze and evaluate political issues relevant to international relations.
Course Objectives
- 1. Analyze the dynamics of key topics such as globalization, conflict, cooperation, diplomacy, international law, human rights, and international political economy.
- 2. Evaluate theories and performance of international actors and apply relevant theoretical concepts to past and present events.
- 3. Describe the roles of governmental and non-governmental actors in the context of contemporary global problems and issues.
- 4. Explain the impact of economic, environmental, historical, cultural, and regional factors on political behavior and institutions
Lecture Content
Introduction to Social Science Research Goals of scientific inquiry The logic and sequence of the scientific world Ethical considerations in conducting research The relationship between social science theory and research Basic versus applied research Qualitative and quantitative social research approaches Empirical research and non-empirical research Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies Social sciences and the use of the scientific method Identifying the topic and specifying the research question (hypothesis) Deciding the best methodology for obtaining research and data Finding reliable sources Evaluating research for implicit and explicit biases, reliability, and validity Applying research to the research question Nullifying the hypothesis Publishing the results Introduction to International Relations Political science as a discipline and international relations as a concentration within the discipline International relations: a historical perspective Treaty of Westphalia Collective security Cold War Post 9/11 Levels of analysis International, state, and individual Governmental and non-governmental The roles of national, international, transnational, and sub-national actors International goals Global prosperity Global security Global peace International Relations Theory Realism and neo-Realism Real-politik Structure of power and influence Game theory Zero-sum gain Idealism Ideal-politik Positive-sum gain Liberalism Lib eral institutionalism Liberal commercialism Liberal internationalism Constructivism and alternative approaches Application of Theoretical Concepts to Contemporary Issues Challenges faced by political scientists when analyzing international events Behavior and decision-making Rational actors Bureaucratic politics Diplomacy, cooperation, and conflict Strategic interaction between domestic and international politics International Law and Institutions United Nations International legal theories Criminal tribunals Human Rights Universal Declaration of Human Rights Cultural relativism Political Economy and Globalization Free trade Bilateral and multilateral trade agreements Multi-national corporations as international actors The World Trade Organization International finance Transnational Cooperation and Challenges Global communications Global health Global environment and natural resources Conflict
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Reading Assignments
Complete reading assignments in the assigned text(s). Complete required online reading assignments from a variety of scholarly websites, databases, and journals.
Writing Assignments
Essay exams that identify key concepts and/or examine key issues. Written essays or other projects (i.e., interactive assignments, debates) in which students will analyze international theory and/or studies. Written essays or other projects (i.e., interactive assignments, debates, term papers) in which students will analyze major theoretical arguments, opposing viewpoints, and factual information (data). Research papers that analyze the application of theory to relevant international issues.
Out-of-class Assignments
Research utilizing scholarly journals, books, articles, and online resources/databases. Participation in discussions, presentations, and debates regarding relevant issues. Reading assignments within textbook and additional web sources.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Evaluate international theory and methodology and their effectiveness in relation to political issues. Research and analyze various articles and factual data involving international case studies.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Written exams, essays, and/or papers evaluating and applying theoretical paradigms to international issues. In-class and/or online discussions presenting findings.
Eligible Disciplines
Political science: Master's degree in political science, government, or international relations OR bachelor's degree in any of the above AND master's degree in economics, history, public administration, social science, sociology, any ethnic studies, J.D., or LL.B. OR the equivalent. Master's degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Rourke, J., Boyer, M. International Politics on the World Stage (Latest), 12th ed. McGraw Hill, 2014 Rationale: An international relations textbook serves as a foundational resource to facilitate structured learning and understanding of key concepts, theories, and debates within the field. It provides students with a comprehensive overview of the historical, theoretical, and practical dimensions of international relations, offering insights into the complexities of global politics, diplomacy, and interstate relations. By utilizing a textbook, students gain access to a curated collection of readings, case studies, and analyses that foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper comprehension of the dynamics shaping the international system. 2. Required Goldstein, J., Pevehouse, J. International Relations, 2013-14 Update (Latest), 11th ed. Pearson , 2017 Rationale: An international relations textbook serves as a foundational resource to facilitate structured learning and understanding of key concepts, theories, and debates within the field. It provides students with a comprehensive overview of the historical, theoretical, and practical dimensions of international relations, offering insights into the complexities of global politics, diplomacy, and interstate relations. By utilizing a textbook, students gain access to a curated collection of readings, case studies, and analyses that foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper comprehension of the dynamics shaping the international system. 3. Required Mingst, K. Essentials of International Relations, ed. WW Norton, 2021