This course provides a study of the effects of ideologies, trade, armaments, and alliances on relations among nation-states. Emphasis is placed on regional and global cooperation and conflict, economic development, trade, non-governmental organizations, and international institutions such as the World Court and UN. Upon completion, students should be able to identity and discuss major international relationships, institutions, and problems. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement general education core requirement in social/behavioral sciences.

More specifically, this course concerns the relations and interactions between the major actors in the world today. It addresses such questions as:

• Who are the major players in international politics?

• What do these players seek from international politics?

• What is the structure of today’s global political system?

• What are the major factors that govern relationships in international politics?

• How has international politics changed over time?

• What causes conflict and cooperation among nations and international players?

• How is wealth distributed in the world?

• What are the problems and challenges facing the world concerning the global environment?

• How is globalization changing international relations?

• What is the future of international relations?

Course Description—This course is a study of the origins, development, structure, and functions of American national government. Topics include the constitutional framework, federalism, the three branches of government including the bureaucracy, civil rights and liberties, political participation and behavior, and policy formation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and participatory processes of the American political system. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement general education core requirement in social/behavioral sciences.