Introduction to World Politics

Course Overview

This course introduces students to the study of international politics. No prior background in international relations is assumed. Students will acquire the basic analytic tools necessary to understand and explain a variety of international phenomena including war, international economic cooperation, environmental cooperation, and human rights practices.

The purpose of this course is to provide a theoretical and historical basis for analyzing and understanding international politics. It is not primarily a current events or history course, but current and historical events will be discussed. The course should prepare you for more advanced classes in international relations and help you to think critically and analytically about current events. You should leave this course feeling that you are a more informed citizen of the world.