The objectives of this course are to provide cadets with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of international relations and the analytical tools necessary to evaluate two fundamental questions: "Why do states do what they do?" and "What causes conflict and cooperation in the international system?" Emphasizing intellectual pluralism, SS357 focuses on the value of applying different theoretical perspectives to historic cases and contemporary events in international affairs. Cadets will employ international relations theory to examine key issues such as the role of power and the use of force in the international system, the international political economy, the role of identity and culture in state behavior, foreign policy decision-making, and the role of morality and ethics in international affairs. While the course content of SS357 is similar to that of SS307 (International Relations), SS357 is designed as an introductory course primarily for cadets majoring in International Affairs.
The objectives of this course are to provide cadets with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of international politics and the analytical tools necessary to evaluate "why states do what they do." In accomplishing these objectives, SS307 builds upon a cadet's prior academic training in History, English, Philosophy, Economics, and Political Science. Emphasizing intellectual pluralism, SS307 focuses on the value of self-consciously applying different theoretical perspectives to international events to obtain improved understanding. Cadets examine key issues such as the consequences of anarchy, the need for security, the role of power, the use of force, international trade and markets, alternative political philosophies, foreign policy making, and the influence of culture in international affairs. While SS357 contains the same course content as SS307, the advanced nature of the course allows cadets to explore course topics in greater depth through classroom discussion than is generally possible in SS307.
Lessons
30 @ 75 min (2.000 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
One 7-page preliminary research paper and one 15-page final analytical research paper; compensatory time provided.
The objectives of this course are to provide cadets with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of international politics and the analytical tools necessary to evaluate "why states do what they do." In accomplishing these objectives, SS307 builds upon a cadet's prior academic training in History, English, Philosophy, Economics, and Political Science. Emphasizing intellectual pluralism, SS307 focuses on the value of self-consciously applying different theoretical perspectives to international events to obtain improved understanding. Cadets examine key issues such as the consequences of anarchy, the need for security, the role of power, the use of force, international trade and markets, alternative political philosophies, foreign policy making, and the influence of culture in international affairs. While SS357 contains the same course content as SS307, the advanced nature of the course allows cadets to explore course topics in greater depth through classroom discussion than is generally possible in SS307.
Lessons
40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
One 7-page preliminary research paper and one 15-page final analytical research paper; compensatory time provided.
This advanced version of SS307 presents cadets with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of international politics and the analytical tools necessary to evaluate ?why states do what they do? with a more in-depth focus on their application to current international events. SS357 also introduces students to a wider range of theoretical approaches and applications. Emphasis is on rigorous, critical analysis, and classroom discussion.
Lessons
40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk)
Labs
7 @ 120 min
Special requirements
One 3000 word analytical research paper; compensatory time provided.
