Course Descriptions

 

International Relations


The following list indicates which courses in the department fulfill the Broadened Perspectives for the 21st century requirement: Human Diversity:

  • Human Diversity
    • IREL 218
    • IREL 230
    • IREL 235
    • IREL 310

200. International Relations: Topics/Issues (I or II;R;3,0)

Selected topics in international relations.

218. International Relations of Europe (I;3,0)

This course will examine the foreign policies of European countries, individually and collectively through the European Union, toward each other, regional and global intergovernmental organizations, and other regions/countries. Crosslisted as POLS 284.

225. Chinese Politics (I or II;3,0)

This course will examine China's rich political history, its dynamic economic and social changes, its lasting political culture, its enduring struggle for modernization, and its evolving relations with the rest of the world. Crosslisted as EAST 269 and POLS 225.

226. East Asian Politics (II;3,0)

This course surveys history, politics, economy, and society of countries in East Asia. It investigates the continuity and changes in politics and policies in China, Japan, Korea and selected countries in Southeast Asia. Crosslisted as EAST 226 and POLS 226.

230. International Relations of the Caribbean (II;3,0)

Study of the domestic and external sources of foreign policy and of foreign policy issues of Caribbean states, including regional integration and U.S.-Caribbean relations. Crosslisted as POLS 286.

235. Modern Africa (I;3,0)

Introduction to complexity, richness, and vitality of African cultures today. Team taught. Interdisciplinary perspectives on issues including economy, politics, family and community, art, literature, religion. Crosslisted as ANTH 235.

245. Race, Nation-state and International Relations (II;R;3,0)

The course examines the processes by which states as expressions of social relations that are embedded in political institutions have been used by social forces, nationally, and transnationally, to racialize nations, societies, and global politics. Crosslisted as HIST 260 and POLS 274.

250. Theories of International Relations (II;3,2)

Analysis and evaluation of main theories of international relations, including realist, neo-liberal, Gramscian, Marxist, feminist post-modernist approaches. Theories are related to the major dimensions of international relations. Prerequisites: two international relations core courses, second semester sophomore status.

252. Political Economy of Global Resources (I or II;3,0)

A study of environmental and energy economics in the context of global resources and politics. The theme of sustainable development will be linked to the new realities of international relations.
Prerequisite: ECON 103. Crosslisted as ECON 252.

255. International Law (II;3,0)

The nature, historical development, and sources of international law; substantive and procedural international law and its role in international relations.Crosslisted as POLS 278.

275. Global Governance (I or II;3,0)

This course explores the rationales, processes, and institutions of multilateral governance in a globalized world. We examine the U.N., nongovernmental organizations, conflict resolution, economic development, environment, human rights, and international law. Not open to first-year students. Crosslisted as POLS 275.

277. International Political Economy (I or II;3,0)

This course examines the politics of international economic relations including trade, finance, and development. Crosslisted as POLS 277.

283. East Asian International Relations (I or II;3,0)

This course offers an overview of international relations in East Asia, with focus on foreign policies of major states in the region as well as their political, economic, and social interactions. Crosslisted as EAST 248 and POLS 283.

300. Seminar: Topics in International Relations (I or II;R:3,0)

This course considers the shift in international politics from an ethic based upon state security to one focused on human security.  Prerequisites: junior or senior status and permission of the instructor.

310. Human Rights (II;3,0)

The seminar will study human rights, primarily from an international perspective, including self-determination, cultural rights, ethnic and racial rights, women's rights, religious rights, and gay and lesbian rights. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Preference given to international relations majors.

323. U.S. Foreign Policy in the 19th Century (I or II;3,0)

This course examines American political and economic expansion from independence to the early 20th century. Crosslisted as HIST 323.

360 and 361. Independent Study (I,II;R;TBA) Half or full course.

Open to international relations majors who wish to pursue individual programs of reading, research, or writing under the supervision of a professor, usually for completion of the honors thesis.
Prerequisite: permission of the supervising IREL professor.

380. U.S.-China Relations (II;3,0)

Through tracing the evolution of U.S.-China relations from the 19th century to the 21st century, this course discusses major issues and challenges between the two countries today. Future trends of the bilateral relationship also will be explored. May be crosslisted as EAST 380 and POLS 280.

400. Seminar: Topics in International Relations (I and II;R;3;0)

Selected topics of international relations at an advanced level for Capstone credit. Regularly taught topics are: Global Restructuring, Latin America in Transition, Environmental Sustainability and the Global Economy.
Prerequisites: second semester junior or senior status and permission of the instructor.

425. International Relations of Migration (II;3;0)

This course will examine the causes and the international consequences of human displacement. It will consider the economic, political, social, and cultural components of international migration. Crosslisted as POLS 425.