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Pre-Seminar in International Relations


Course Description

Realist, idealist, and institutionalist approaches to the study of International Relations. Special emphasis on applications to both historical and contemporary cases.


Athena Title

PRESEM INTERL REL


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in POLS 6200


Semester Course Offered

Not offered on a regular basis.


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

The central purpose is to develop an understanding of the basic theories and approaches to the study of interstate politics. It also lays the foundation for further, more advanced study of international relations and serves as the cornerstone for the doctoral examination in the subfield. Students will gain a deeper understanding of realistm, liberalism and rationality in international relations. They will have learned the logic of game theoretic approaches, of how cognitive processes affect decision making and the utility of political economy approaches in understanding international politics.


Topical Outline

Foundations: realism(s) Foundations: liberalism Foundations: rationality, anarchy, and preferences Approaches: game/formal theory Approaches: Cognitive Approaches: Constructivism/norms Conflict Democratic Peace Cooperation Political Economy Hegemony


Syllabus