POS 18 - International Relations

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: 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. (C-ID POLS 140).

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Explain international relations theory.
2. Identify international institutions.
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. Discuss contemporary issues in international relations.
6. Apply relevant theoretical concepts to events.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

1. Discussion
2. Guest Speakers
3. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
4. Lecture
5. Multimedia Presentations
6. Reading Assignments

1. Exams/Tests
2. Research Projects
3. Oral Presentation
4. Class participation
5. Written Assignments
6. Essays and research papers

Reading Assignments

1. Read the chapter from your text that deals with “Constructivist” and “Universalist” views on International diplomacy. Be prepared to take either the role of a constructivist or a universalist with regard to settling the ongoing border dispute between Ukraine and Russia.
2. Read the article on “Shuttle Diplomacy.” Be prepared to discuss in class the following: Who established this approach? Has it been effective? What prevented this approach from being used in the past?

Writing Assignments

1. The Bretton Woods System is a postwar economic regime, associated with the Washington Consensus, created to expand economic relations and promote trade liberalization. Identify and discuss the three important institutions that emerged from the Bretton Woods System. Also, how does this relate to our readings on the topic of globalization. This short paper should be 2-3 pages in length.
2. Write a short essay (3 pages) summarizing the views of George Kennan with regard to international diplomacy. Detail Kennan’s philosophy for diplomacy toward the old Soviet Union during the Cold War. How have our strategies regarding communistic government changed since the breakup of the Soviet Union?

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. View the online video of the UN debate regarding the situation in Syria. Be prepared to talk about the history of Syria’s government and why this conflict has been so challenging for the international community to untangle.
2. Attend the CSUC's Town Hall Meeting, international topic or specific country panel. Please observe and be prepared to comment on, in class discussion, how that system of government is different from that of the United States. How might the differences impact future U.S. relations with that country or the international community?

Goldstein, J.S., and Pevehouse, J.C. (2021). International Relations. Pearson, 12th. 9780135229255.

Stephen McGlinchey. (2022). International Relations. Merlot, Open Source. None.

Other Learning Materials

International newspapers

The Washington Post

Post's Monkey Cage blog

Political Science (Masters Required)