Outcomes:

After completing this class, students should be able to:

• understand the basic vocabulary, questions, and approaches to the study of international relations
• draw informed descriptive or causal inferences from the material being studied
• interpret and explain contemporary issues and conflicts in international politics in light of larger historical factors
• understand the challenges and opportunities that "international anarchy" presents to states and other actors and their available responses
• analyze key concepts and issues in international relations, including the state, power, foreign policy, environment, global poverty, human rights, economic development, interdependence, and globalization using its core concepts and theories
• understand and explain the role of institutions, norms and rules in shaping international outcomes
• analyze the major problems and challenges of international relations and grasp their relevance to their lives and experiences
• demonstrate improved research and writing abilities