PSCI 120
Introduction to International Relations: World Politics
Spring 2026
(also offered Fall 2025)
Division II
Class Details
This course provides an overview of the central theories, concepts and debates in international relations. Students evaluate competing answers to central questions in the field: What are the implications of an anarchic political structure for order and justice in world politics? What are the primary causes of international war and conflict? Are there necessary conditions for peace and stability? What role do moral and legal considerations play in world politics? How has globalization changed the way that the international system operates?
The Class:
Format: lecture
Limit: 25
Expected: 25
Class#: 3640
Grading: no pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Limit: 25
Expected: 25
Class#: 3640
Grading: no pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation:
Depending on the semester and instructor, some combination of essays, a midterm paper, one or two short response papers, a group project and presentations, a podcast, and an in-person final exam.
Prerequisites:
None
Enrollment Preferences:
First-year students and sophomores
Unit Notes:
International relations subfield
Distributions:
Division II
Attributes:
PSCI International Relations Courses
Class Grid
Updated 7:39 pm
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HEADERS
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CLASSESColumn header 2DREQColumn header 3INSTRUCTORSColumn header 4TIMESColumn header 5CLASS#Column header 6ENROLLColumn header 7CONSENT
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PSCI 120 - 01 (S) LEC Intro International Relations
PSCI 120 - 01 (S) LEC Intro International RelationsDivision IITR 9:55 am - 11:10 am
3640OpenNone -
PSCI 120 - 02 (S) LEC Intro International Relations
PSCI 120 - 02 (S) LEC Intro International RelationsDivision IIMR 1:10 pm - 2:25 pm
3641OpenNone