Introduction to International Relations Syllabus

Why do countries go to war with each other and why do they cooperate? How do domestic institutions or individual leaders impact a country’s external behaviour? Do international laws and institutions have any influence in global affairs? These types of questions have been central to the study of international relations for centuries. In the 20th century, Western scholars continued this tradition and established International Relations (IR) as a social science. This introductory course will examine the major theories of international conflict and cooperation that have emerged from this body of scholarship, as well as critiques of the discipline through the lenses of gender, race, and non-Western identity. It will also cover thematic issues such as economic interdependence, global governance, nuclear weapons, transnational movements, and the rise of new powers. The course provides an introduction to IR theory and instances in which insights from IR can illuminate the dynamics of real-world phenomena.

The course introduces the main theories of international relations and applies the key concepts of international relations theories to international affairs. Topics of the course include the rise of China, the impact of international organizations, nuclear non-proliferation and the causes of conflict among nations.

This MA graduate seminar provides a survey of the discipline of international politics and contemporary research in the field. It is intended to serve as a 'gateway' course providing a foundation for other international politics courses. In addition to covering central theoretical perspectives in international relations theory, the course introduces students to contemporary debates in international politics and policy with an emphasis on topics and themes relating to the Middle East. Students develop critical thinking and analytical writing skills through close reading of key texts and writing exercises.

This course examines what scholars and practitioners say about international relations, including theories and observations about the international system, democracy, international institutions, public opinion, interstate war, civil war, proxy wars, nuclear proliferation, global governance, terrorism, human security, the role of leaders, and trajectory of violence around the globe. There are two main goals: (1) to understand some of the major theoretical perspectives and concepts in security studies, and (2) to relate this academic research to the world.

2016

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While the first four sessions of the Program are "magisterial lectures", the latter ones include a small presentation of the theme by selected groups of students, followed by discussions around them. In terms of Faculty rules there is an obligatory final exam. Both for the exam and the short papers that will serve as the bases for discussions in the second part of the Program, evaluation will depend on clarity in the use of International Relations concepts used and discussed (40%), on knowledge of the examples treated (20%), and on the creativity displayed (40%).

2018

This course has five main goals:

2017

2016

2013

This is to certify that we have read this thesis and that in our opinion it is fully adequate, in scope and quality, as a thesis for the degree of Master of Science.

2014

Rationale This junior level course is designed to encourage students to apply a Biblical Christian worldview and a limited government/free market philosophy to a study of the relations between sovereign states and other international actors, such as intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) such as the United Nations as well as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) . Special attention will be given to the causes of war, security and peace issues, and the operation of the international political economy. Given the rapidly changing international climate, current events topics and readings will occasionally added and discussed in class. Christian Service: For those students not already involved in Christian Service, see the professor for details and other information if interested. X.