IS300: International Relations Theory

Course Description This course provides an analytical survey of some of the major theoretical approaches important to international studies. This course is not a survey of international history or diplomacy, nor is it a lecture course. Rather, through discussion as a group, we will examine, evaluate and critique some of the theoretical approaches used by political scientists to analyze world politics. In the process, students will learn how to construct, develop and test their own hypotheses and analytical arguments about international politics and international development. It is assumed that students already have some familiarity with international politics and political science from the official prerequisite for the course (IS 100). Students should not take this course before their junior year. This syllabus is subject to change during the course of the semester.