Time Schedule:
Andrew S Cockrell
POL S 203
Seattle Campus
The world community, its politics, and government. Offered: AWSpS.
Class description
This course introduces students to three major theories of international relations - realism, liberalism, and Marxism - and uses each to examine a variety of topics in international relations including the rise of the modern state system, the origins of major wars, globalization, the environment, and developments in contemporary international politics.
Student learning goals
Understand three major theoretical approaches to international relations.
Understand how the different theories explain key questions in international relations.
Familiarize students with topics central to international politics.
Help students evaluate contemporary developments in international politics from the news.
General method of instruction
Lecture MWF. Discussion of readings in quiz section TTh.
Recommended preparation
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Class assignments and grading
Regular reading of the New York Times is required for the course. Each day, we'll kick off lecture and section with a recap of key developments in international politics from the news. Lecture outlines and reading questions for section will be posted on the course website in advance.
No textbook. A course packet of assigned readings will be available for purchase prior to the first lecture.
Two bluebook midterms (25% + 25%), a bluebook final (30%), and participation in section (20%) will determine students' course grade.
