POSC 351 - International Relations

Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: GE-UD-D
The conduct of relations among states. The international system, state and non-state actors, geopolitics, alliances, world trade, conflict and cooperation, terrorism, ethnic and racial tensions, environmental challenges. Theories: realism, liberalism, neoliberal institutionalism, constructivism, post-colonialism, and subaltern discourses.

Strongly Recommended Preparation: Upper division status (greater than 60 earned semester units) and completion of lower division Area D1-2 requirements.
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Areas A1, A2, A3 and B4 with grade C- (CR) or better.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-UD-D - Upper Division Social Sciences
Course Typically Offered: Variable Intermittently

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

identify and differentiate international relations theories such as realism, liberalism, constructivism, feminism, post-structuralism, and critical studies;
recognize, and evaluate the role of, state and non-state actors in international relations;
explain how several international issues - political, security, economic, development, and social and cultural - and how they impact the international community in different ways;
articulate, through written and oral competency, the connection between theories and real-world events, and the appropriate use of concepts and terminologies specific to the international relations subfield of political science;
discuss and critique dominant and subaltern discourses of international relations, as well as understand the different ways by which individuals experience international relations;
develop an appreciation for, and apply knowledge of, diversity and multicultural competencies to promote equity and social justice at the global level;
develop research skills in international relations research; and
demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge through collaborative learning and teamwork in group discussions, and role-playing simulation.

UD-D. Upper-division Social Sciences Learning Outcomes

analyze how power and social identity affect social outcomes for different cultural and economic groups using methods of social science inquiry and vocabulary appropriate to those methods;
demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply accurately disciplinary concepts of the social or behavioral sciences; and
demonstrate an understanding of and ability to effectively plan or conduct research using an appropriate method of the social or behavioral sciences.