Foundations of Global Politics
Course Description
Summary
In this wide-ranging introduction to the study of international politics, we will be exploring how states and non-state actors negotiate their interactions in an increasingly interconnected, interdependent and globalized world. Core themes will include: contending theoretical approaches to international relations (realism, liberalism/idealism, constructivism, structuralism, Marxism, feminism and post-colonialism); historical evolution of the international system; foreign policies of major global and regional powers; the growing roles of non-state transnational actors like terrorist networks and humanitarian non-governmental organizations; multilateral organizations and other institutional architectures of global governance; the politics of international human rights; alternative global futures; and case studies of policy responses and solutions to major global issues, including economic inequality, environmental challenges, armed conflicts and other forms of humanitarian crises.
Learning Outcomes
- A critical appreciation of different theoretical frameworks for interpreting global politics.
- Familiarization with appropriate conceptual tools and vocabulary to discuss and make sense of complex global issues.
- Identify and analyze the enduring issues and challenges that have dominated global politics over time.
- Assess the relative merits of alternative policy options for responding to contemporary global problems.
Cross List
- Advancement of Public Action
- Environment