Catalog Description
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Introduction to the political relations between governments and other global actors. Examination of theories and concepts that help to explain conflict and cooperation in a range of issue areas. (C-ID POLS 140) (CSU, UC)
Course Student Learning Outcomes
- CSLO #1: Apply theoretical concepts to understand and explain international relations.
- CSLO #2: Identify causes of international problems and effective means of coping.
- CSLO #3: Assess the power of different types of actors engaged in international relations.
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Course Type
Credit - Degree-applicable
Contact Hours
54
Outside of Class Hours
108
Total Student Learning Hours
162
Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Distinguish between hard and soft forms of power (including diplomacy) and their roles in world politics;
2. Distinguish different types of actors at the national (state), international (transnational) and subnational levels that play significant roles in world politics;
3. Evaluate the significance of sovereignty and globalization for anarchy at the systemic level;
4. Examine the role of international institutions (including international law and international organizations) in regulating conflict and facilitating cooperation;
5. Contrast rival theories of international relations;
6. Apply relevant theoretical concepts to historical cases and contemporary issues;
7. Identify the major causes of cooperation and conflict in the areas of security (war/peace), international political economy (including trade, currency values, development and environment) and human rights;
8. Propose solutions to problems in international relations that target causes.
General Education Information
- Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
- AA/AS - Social Sciences
- CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
- CSUGE - D Social Sciences
- CSUGE - D6 History
- CSUGE - D8 Pol Sci/Govt/Lgl In
- Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
- IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
- IGETC - 4 Soc./Behav Sciences
- IGETC - 4H Pol Sci/Govt/Lgl In
Articulation Information
- CSU Transferable
- UC Transferable
Methods of Evaluation
- Classroom Discussions
- Example: Student posts in response to instructor's questions about international law on the discussion board graded on demonstrated command of the learning material and ability to apply concepts.
- Essay Examinations
- Example: Instructor will assign a take-home essay asking the student to react to a simulation that illustrates the problems with cooperating in anarchy. Successful responses will apply concepts learned in class to the in-class experience. Graded based on rubric.
- Objective Examinations
- Example: 50 multiple choice questions on theories of international relations. Example: The theory that tells us to ignore domestic politics is: a) realism; b) liberalism; c) Marxism; or, d) constructivism. Correct answers illustrate learning of scientific theories.
- Reports
- Example: Instructor will assign an internet research project on a particular topic and a written essay describing discovered information. Project will be evaluated based upon a rubric developed by the instructor and shared with students.
Repeatable
No
Methods of Instruction
- Lecture/Discussion
- Distance Learning
Lecture:
- Instructor will present a PowerPoint lecture on the role and form of power. Students will then be guided to role play in simulations that requires defending positions not held by students. Following the role play, instructor will lead a debate in class over the role and form of power.
Distance Learning
- Instructor will provide students with text and audio-visual learning materials (e.g. videos, PowerPoint, lecture notes) supported by textbook chapters on theories of international relations. Students will need to use this material to effectively participate in discussions that the instructor will monitor to provide clarification and correction when needed.
Typical Out of Class Assignments
Reading Assignments
1. Read chapter on concept of "sovereignty" and come to class prepared to discuss relevant actors. 2. Read opinion piece from newspaper about US leadership and discuss merits in class. 3. Analyze a scholarly journal article and incorporate relevant passages into a research paper on two to three international relations issues facing a country.
Writing, Problem Solving or Performance
1. Take-home essays relating IR theories to specific aspects of world politics (e.g., realist and liberal means of coping with war). 2. In-class simulation of cooperation amongst conflicting interests and reaction essay. 3. Write a five to seven page research paper on two to three international relations issues facing a country.
Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)
1. Internet research assignment requiring students to find information on an instructor-approved topic and produce a synthesis report. 2. Deliver a 10-15 minute presentation on two to three IR issues facing a student's chosen country.
Required Materials
- Essentials of International Relations
- Author: Mingst & Arreguin-Toft
- Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company
- Publication Date: 2018
- Text Edition: 8th
- Classic Textbook?:
- OER Link:
- OER:
- Introduction to Global Politics
- Author: Lamy, Baylis, Smith & Owens
- Publisher: Oxford University Press
- Publication Date: 2021
- Text Edition: 6th
- Classic Textbook?:
- OER Link:
- OER:
- International Relations: The Key Concepts
- Author: Martin Griffiths, Terry O’Callaghan & Steven Roach
- Publisher: Routledge
- Publication Date: 2013
- Text Edition: 3rd
- Classic Textbook?:
- OER Link:
- OER:
- World Politics
- Author: Charles Kegley
- Publisher: Wadsworth
- Publication Date: 2020
- Text Edition: 17th
- Classic Textbook?:
- OER Link:
- OER:
- Globalization of World Politics
- Author: Baylis, Smith & Owen
- Publisher: Oxford
- Publication Date: 2019
- Text Edition: 8th
- Classic Textbook?:
- OER Link:
- OER:
