Time Schedule:
Jonathan L. Mercer
POL S 203
Seattle Campus
The world community, its politics, and government. Offered: AWSpS.
Class description
Description: This course introduces students to the major theoretical approaches to international relations—Realism, Liberalism, and Marxism—and uses these approaches to address a variety of issues. For example, we will discuss the rise of the modern state system, the origins of WWI, the Cold War, the Gulf and Iraq Wars, genocide in Rwanda, free trade, globalization, North-South relations, the environment, and human rights. Primary course objectives are to demonstrate how theory influences our explanations; to familiarize students with some important issues in international politics; and most important, to help students evaluate contemporary issues in international politics.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
No prerequisites.
Recommended preparation
Texts: Required readings include a course reader and a national newspaper.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments: Three in-class exams.
Grading: Exams: 80 %; Class/quiz participation: 20%.
