Program Summary

Since before you were born, countries around the world have been involved in various wars: have you ever wondered why? This program is an introduction to the field of international relations. We will study ideas that explain why countries might go to war and the conditions that can lead countries to cooperate. We will study the ways that countries define their interests, build institutions, and interact in ways that increase or decrease international conflict; how domestic politics influences international relations; and what causes states to fail. We will learn, discuss, critique, and analyze many ideas, cases, and viewpoints.

In the Integrated Learning Course (ILC), you will learn about yourself as a learner. The self-knowledge you gain here about the strategies and mindsets you need for academic success will help you be a better learner for the rest of your life. You’ll learn where to find valid sources to research international issues, you’ll improve your writing, and you’ll finish with a toolbox of strategies to help you read, learn, and concentrate.

At the conclusion of this term, if you have taken advantage of the learning opportunities presented in this program, you will be able to ask valid questions about international politics, reason through possible causes and effects of conflicts, and develop reasonable hypotheses and explanations for why international politics is the way it is. And you’ll be a more capable student.

POLS 152: Politics Among Nations (3 SH, GESS)

Introduction to the field of International Relations, emphasizing the causes of conflict between nations, why nations cooperate, and how contemporary forces influence international politics.

GEN 101 WI: ILC Is War Inevitable? (3 SH)

This foundational course serves to develop, practice, and apply college-level reading, critical thinking, writing, information literacy, and speaking skills. Students will learn how to research and analyze political conflicts by applying the concepts learned in Politics Among Nations. Students will complete an annotated bibliography, analyze two political conflicts, and a presentation.