Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title POLS 1619: International Relations

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Goal 8/Global Perspectives

Course Description

This is a course that covers international relations, with emphasis on foreign policy. Topics will include theory, immigration, trade, imperialism, war and peace, terrorism, national sovereignty, and world order.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

December, 2022

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Theory
    1. Political realism and moral idealism
    2. Marxism and feminism
  2. War and Peace
    1. Aggression and violence
    2. Religion and philosophy
    3. Pacifism, nonviolence, disarmament, and security
    4. International cooperation and foreign policy
    5. World War I, World War II, The Cold War and terrorism
  3. International Organizations
    1. League of Nations and United Nations
    2. Regional unity and financial unity
  4. Globalization and the Global Economy
    1. Capitalism vs. socialism
    2. Multinational corporations and economic cycles
    3. North and South Divide
  5. Imperialism
    1. Empires in world history
    2. Decolonization
  6. Human Rights
    1. Immigration
    2. Nations and identity
    3. Natural environment
    4. Genocide

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Assess the significance of political, intellectual, and social developments in International Relations.
  2. Identify key individuals, institutions, and concepts of International Relations.
  3. Analyze the causes and results of major events in International Relations.
  4. Recognize the diverse ideas concerning political issues in International Relations.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

The student will be able to:

  1. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  2. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  3. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
Goal 8/Global Perspectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements, which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
  3. Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None