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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

James A Caporaso
POL S 203
Seattle Campus

Introduction to International Relations

The world community, its politics, and government. Offered: AWSpS.

Class description

Description: This course is intended as an introduction to the principles and foundations of international relations. As such, it will focus on basic concepts such as nations and nationalism, the nature of the interstate system, anarchy, and power. The primary modes through which nationstates interactdiplomacy, trade, economic sanctions, war, alliances, cooperationwill also be examined. The course also focuses on how elements of international society are emerging, as illustrated in the development of international law, norms, and common understandings.

Student learning goals

basic information about international politics

understanding the institutional environment of international politics, which includes anarchy (absence of central government)

appreciating the importance of different actors: nation states, firms, NGOs, international organizations

role of power: rise and fall of different countries

non state actors, such as al-Qaeda

economic component of international politics: globalization, regional integration

General method of instruction

lecture, with aid of overheads, supplemented by intensive discussions in TA sections

Recommended preparation

Class assignments and grading

reading, quizzes in sections, in class exams, final exam

exams; section discussion grades, and any other graded assignments in the sections run by TAs


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Additional Information
Last Update by James A Caporaso
Date: 11/05/2010