GOVT 130 - Introduction to International Relations

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory (or Other) Hours: 0

General Education Code(s): 23SS, 23WG, 23DV
Other Course Attribute(s): LASC, NBSS, SS

This course examines the basics of international relations as a discipline. Concepts and theory discussed include growth of the nation state, evolution of power politics, foreign policy, economic and political development, peace, and conflict. This course also examines the role that non-government organizations, multinational organizations, and non-state actors play. Current global political events will also be addressed.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course: The General Education requirement for Social Sciences is satisfied by GOVT 130. To meet this General Education requirement, students will be able to:

describe major concepts and theories of at least one discipline in the social sciences; and
demonstrate an understanding of the methods social scientists use to explore social phenomena.

The General Education requirement for World History & Global Awareness is satisfied by GOVT 130. To meet this General Education requirement, students will be able to:

demonstrate knowledge of a broad outline of world history and/or the development of the distinctive features of at least one civilization or culture in relation to other regions of the world; and
demonstrate an understanding of the structures, systems, and interrelationship among civilizations and cultures within historical and/or contemporary contexts, and their impact on wellbeing and sustainability.

The General Education requirement for Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, & Social Justice is satisfied by GOVT 130. To meet this General Education requirement, students will be able to:

describe the historical and contemporary societal factors that shape the development of individual and group identity involving race, class, and gender;
analyze the role that complex networks of social structures and systems play in the creation and perpetuation of the dynamics of power, privilege, oppression, and opportunity; and
apply the principles of rights, access, equity, and autonomous participation to past, current, or future social justice action.

Course-specific SLOs include:

Identify key issues facing the contemporary world and identify key environmental, political social and cultural factors shaping these key issues;
Identify important persons, institutions shaping past & contemporary global affairs;
Identify key geographic hotspots;
Articulate key ways in which contemporary global issues impact his/her life;
Demonstrate an ability to compare and contrast essential cultural and social similarities and differences between his/her own and other cultures;
Apply theoretical models for cross-cultural comparisons;
Identify major trends that are likely to shape global events in the next 5-10 and 20-year periods.

Repeatable: No
CIP Code: 450901