Contra Costa College
Course Outline
Department & Number
Course Title
Prerequisite
Co-requisite
Prerequisite or concurrently
Challenge Policy
Political Science 140
Introduction to International Relations
None
Number of Weeks per term
Lecture Hours per term
Lab Hours per term
*HBA per term
Units
18
54
3
Advisory
Hours per term.
*HOURS BY ARRANGEMENT:
ACTIVITIES: (Please provide a list of the activities students will perform in order to satisfy the HBA requirement):
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an introduction to international relations theory with an examination of national,
international, transnational, and sub-national actors and their institutions, interactions and processes as they
relate to global issues. Not repeatable.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the completion of the course the student will be able to:
1. Explain international relations theory.
2. Identify international institutions.
3. Describe the roles of national, international, transnational, and sub-national actors
4. Analyze and evaluate key topics such as globalization, conflict, cooperation, diplomacy, international law,
human rights, and international political economy.
5. Discuss contemporary issues in international relations.
6. Apply relevant theoretical concepts to events.
COURSE CONTENT: (In detail; attach additional information as needed and include percentage breakdown)
20
% International relations theory.
20
%
International institutions.
15
%
The roles of national, international, transnational, and sub-national actors
15
%
Key topics in the field of international relations such as globalization, conflict, cooperation,
diplomacy, international law, human rights, and international political economy.
15
%
Contemporary issues in international relations.
15
%
Application of theoretical concepts to events.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
In-class or take-home examinations
Research papers or projects
Written assignments
Analytical papers
Simulations
Oral presentations
Participation in class discussions and debates
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Textbook Title:
Author:
Publisher:
Edition/Date:
International Relations: Perspectives, Controversies and Readings
Keith L. Shimko
Wadsworth, Cengage Learning
4th edition/2013
NOTE: To be UC transferable, the text must be dated within the last 5 years OR a statement of justification for a text beyond the last 5
years must be included.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS (Use applicable expectations)
Outside of Class Weekly Assignments
Weekly Reading Assignments
Weekly Writing Assignments
Weekly Math Problems
Lab or Software Application Assignments
Other Performance Assignments
Hours per week
3
3
STUDENT EVALUATION: (Show percentage breakdown for evaluation instruments)
50
% Mid-term, Final Exam, and Quizzes
30
% Analytical Papers and Other Written Assignments
10
% Research Project
10
% Participation in class discussions and debates
GRADING POLICY (Choose LG, P/NP or SC)
X
Letter Grade
Pass / No Pass
Student Choice
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
70% and above = Pass
Below 70% = No Pass
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
or
70% and above = Pass
Below 70% = No Pass
Prepared by:
J. Vern Cromartie
Date:
April 2013
Form Revised 01/13