This course serves as an introduction to the study of important issues in modern international

relations. The goal of the course is to teach students basic concepts and theories that are useful

for making sense of contemporary debates and challenges in international politics. We will study

current events and the recent history that has shaped how states and other actors interact with

each other across national borders. The class surveys majors topics in international relations to

encourage further examination in more advanced classes. Major topics include international

cooperation, security and conflict, trade, and international law and human rights. By the end of

the class, students will be able to critique common academic and policy arguments about global

affairs and will have acquired the tools to begin their own analyses.