POLS-Y109: Introduction to International Relations

POLS-Y109 — Spring 2022

Flags in a row
Instructor
Dina Rome Spechler
Location
WH 111 Woodburn Hall
Days and Times
Tuesday and Thursday, 4:45–6:00 p.m.
Course Description

Poverty. Inequality. Scarce resources. Ethnic identity. Territorial ambitions. Ideology. Political aspirations. As we move farther into a new millennium, nearly every area of the world is beset by violent conflict arising from these and many other sources. This course will provide you with basic conceptual tools and information to help you understand some of the major problems in world politics in recent decades and think critically about possible solutions to those problems. The primary focus will be on the causes of conflict and war; the relative advantages and disadvantages of relying on military measures, economic instruments, or diplomacy for achieving foreign policy goals; and ways of preventing or reducing the likelihood, severity, and duration of war. The course will include a simulation of the United Nations General Assembly in which all students will participate as delegates, representing a country of their choice.

Download the course flyer