Chabot College
Fall 2010
Course Outline for Political Science 30
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Catalog Description:
30 - International Relations
3 units
An introduction to international politics, theories, and global institutions, focusing on
international actors and their interactions with one another. Emphasis on current events.
3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon the completion of the class the student should be able to:
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demonstrate an understanding of the anarchical nature of the international political
system;
describe the development of the modern state system and its implications for
contemporary international relations;
identify relevant actors in the international system such as states, intergovernmental
organizations, nongovernmental organizations, multinational corporations, and civil
society;
identify predominant theoretical approaches within the international relations
discipline;
apply international relations theories to the dilemmas of international politics,
including conflict and cooperation;
demonstrate an understanding of the functional relations of states as a consequence
of foreign policy choices;
describe the various sources of power that affect international relations;
describe the historical development, structure, and processes of the United Nations;
apply theoretical concepts to real world situations;
demonstrate detailed knowledge of international diplomacy and the causes and
consequences of conflict;
describe multiple formal foreign policy-making processes;
define and describe international issues including, but not limited to, human rights,
international law, and global environmental concerns;
define globalization and analyze the causes and consequences of an interconnected
international political economy.
Course Content:
1.
The development of nationalism, the modern state system, and the integrating and
fragmenting forces of globalization
Chabot College
Course Outline for Political Science 30, Page 2
Fall 2010
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Actors in the international system:
a.
Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)
b.
Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
c.
Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
d.
Civil Society
Elements of power of actors in the international system
Relationships between major actors in the international system
Major theoretical approaches to international relations
a.
Realism, Neo-Realism
b.
Liberalism/Idealism
c.
Radical Theories
d.
Constructivism
The historical development of the United Nations System, its structure, institutions,
successes and failures
Causes of conflict in the international system
Application of theoretical concepts to actual events
Settlement of disputes and post-conflict situations
Role of various state powers in the international system: hegemon, members of the
Security Council, rising powers, less-developed countries
The concept of foreign policy and examples of its practical application
The development and practice of international law
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the practice and controversy
surrounding upholding human rights in the international system
International political economy including but not limited to: economic tools of
diplomacy, outsourcing, development strategies, modernization theory, international
economic institutions
Methods of Presentations:
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Lecture, including use of PowerPoint
Class discussion
Problem solving case studies
Small group and entire class role-playing simulations
Audio-visual materials
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a.
Prepare and act out real world cases in simulated exercises within a group or
individually, depending on the case.
b.
Turn in a contemporary news article from a reputable source attached to a
2-3 paragraph explanation of how this article provides an example of a
concept, idea, or theory covered in class.
c.
Develop a research question an international relations topic and write a
thesis-driven paper that answers your question and is supported by
academic research.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Political Science 30, Page 3
Fall 2010
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress may include:
a.
Quizzes
b.
Midterm examinations
c.
Case study analysis
d.
Research papers/essays
e.
Peer evaluations
f.
Class participation
g.
Final examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
International Relations (9th edition), J. S. Goldstein and J. C. Pevenhouse,
Longman, 2009.
Case Studies available through the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (www.gusd.org)
Essentials of International Relations (4th edition), Karen A. Mingst, W.W.Norton and Co.,
2007.
Perspectives on International Relations: Power, Institutions, Ideas (4th edition), Henry R.
Nau, CQ Press, 2008.
International Relations and World Politics (4th edition), Viotti and Kauppi, Longman, 2009.
Special Student Materials:
None.