IREL 545Theory of Intl Relations

Catalog

The primary objective of this course is to introduce you to several of the major theories in the discipline. The purpose is to learn to think theoretically and critically about international affairs and to explore generalizable explanations for international relations phenomena which can be applied across sets of particular events. The goal in the end is an attempt to answer the question, “why do people (and, hence states) behave the way they do?” In trying to answer this question, theories of international relations help scholars and statesmen to explain, analyze and predict the behavior of states. The ultimate purpose of the theories is and should be to formulate effective and intelligent policies. This is a required course in the Masters of Arts in International Relations program; much of what you learn here will serve as a foundation for future coursework. This course is 4 credit hours and follows an online format.