This course is designed to introduce students to major theoretical approaches to international
politics, to explore important historical and contemporary questions and debates in international
affairs, and to teach students to think critically about international relations.
Although we will not be able to cover all the subjects normally associated with an introductory
course in international relations, we will be able to touch upon the basics of the three major
strands of thought in IR theory: Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism. These theoretical
approaches should be thought of as lenses through which to view the behavior of states and
other actors within the international system. Our course goals are to
provide students with a basic understanding of the discipline of international relations an
opportunity to develop their research and presentation skills.