International Relations

COURSE DESCRIPTION :
Basic concepts and processes of world politics will be illustrated through the analysis of power rivalries, competing images and ideologies and transformation of world economic relations.

The class will be developed through lectures, readings and oral presentations/class discussions. Will be dealt with in class:
- Historic international systems; the contemporary global system
- The purpose of states : foreign policy goals & strategies
- Foreign policy actions : power, capabilities & influence
- Instruments of policy : diplomatic bargaining, propaganda, economic rewards & coercion
- Clandestine actions & military intervention
- Law and world opinion in explanations of foreign policy
- Ethics in explanations of foreign policy
- Interaction of states : conflict & conflict resolution
- International cooperation

COURSE OBJECTIVES :
Students should acquire a basic understanding of the nation state system, power relationships, the balance of power, and of political and economic relations among nations so that they will be more aware and informed as world citizens.
As to transferable skills, the student should be able:
to write effectively, that is, comprehensively, coherently and critically;
to generate ideas;
to synthesize results;
to distinguish among fact, opinion, and judgment;
to analyze and interpret the ideas and intellectual works of others;
to evaluate and use sources of information;
to prepare and deliver meaningful and effective oral presentations;
to defend a position, a point of view, or an interpretation; and
to interact cooperatively and effectively with others.

TEXT:
International Relations, Goldstein, Pearson, 10th Edition, 2011

EVALUATION :
The final grade will be based on class participation (25%), class presentations (25%), and the final examination (50%).