PSC 330—International Relations Problems

This seminar is designed to familiarize students with the scholarly and analytical approaches to current critical issues in international relations. The course will cover the main themes in the areas of international security, international political economy, and transnational issues across the globe. The course is not a political discussion of current or past events, but rather a survey of scientific propositions and theoretical debates that help us to analytically understand both history and contemporary issues in world politics. While specific topics may vary as they reflect major current trends in world politics (ranging from issues such as terrorism and counter-terrorism to U.S. grand strategy, environmental problems, etc.), all are analyzed through the lenses of major theoretical approaches to international politics.