PSCI 420(F) (Section 02) Senior Seminar in International Relations: Theories
of
International Relations and Crises in Contemporary International Relations
The world of international politics has taken some unusual twists and turns
since 9/11. This senior seminar proposes to consider two kinds of issues in
relation to developments since the attacks. First, we will read some major
international relations theorists-Kissinger, Kennan, and Cox, among others-with
an eye to determining whether they have much to say about the challenges posed
by international terrorism. Do classical theories provide adequate guidance
to
contemporary international politics? Second, we will read the work of those
who
believe the world has been fundamentally changed by 9/11, such as Kagan and
Kristol, as well as that of their critics to determine how well various
interpretations account for the turns international relations are taking and
how
well they respond to the new situation.
Format: seminar. Requirements: students are required to participate in class
discussion, write a long seminar paper (25- 35 pages), and organize class
presentations of their work.
Prerequisite: senior standing; Political Science major; two classes in
international relations; permission of instructor. Enrollment limit: 16
(expected: 16).
International Relations and Comparative Politics Subfields