International Relations – GOVT 340
CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 12/12/2022
Course Description
Techniques for managing and resolving conflict in international relations. Emphasis is on current international issues like U.S. Arms policy and U.S. policy in the Middle East.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
This junior level course is designed to encourage students to apply a Biblical Christian worldview and a limited government/free market philosophy to a study of the relations between sovereign states and other international actors, such as intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) such as the United Nations as well as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Special attention will be given to the causes of war, security and peace issues, and the operation of the international political economy. Given the rapidly changing international climate, current events topics and readings will occasionally be added and discussed in class.
Course Assignment
Textbook readings and lecture presentations
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (4)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be at least 300 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 150 words.
Position Paper Assignments (3)
The student will write a 1,000–1,200-word research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on one of the interventions/actions presented in Understanding Global Conflicts and Cooperation from that Module: Week’s reading. The paper must include at least 2 references.
Quizzes (4)
Quizzes will cover the Learn items for the assigned module. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes and have a 45-minute time limit. Two quizzes contain 25 multiple choice questions and two quizzes contain 2 essay questions.
Research Paper Assignment
The paper provides a practical application of the material presented in this course by developing upon the concepts presented in the lectures. The paper demonstrates mastery of the concepts presented and an analysis of fact-based material to surmise possible international actions. The paper must be 6–8 pages.
