POLS 120 - Introduction to World Politics

Course Description

  • Prerequisite: Placement in ENG 22/60

Power and contemporary world politics since 1945 with emphasis on the U.S. role.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of POLS 120, the student will be able to:

  • Describe effects of world politics on their personal lives
  • Describe Idealist, Realist, Neoconservative and Isolationist theories
  • Describe system, national and individual levels of analysis
  • Describe the sovereignty principle
  • Describe definitions of nations and states
  • Describe factors affecting foreign policy
  • Describe causes and effects of WWI and WWII
  • Describe US policy in the Cold War
  • Describe post-Cold War system characteristics
  • Describe operations and problems of the UN, EU, World Bank and IMF
  • Describe other non-state actors
  • Describe differences between Global North and South
  • Describe theories of development
  • Describe human rights issues
  • Describe types and criticisms of globalization
  • Describe theories of war, military power & strategies
  • Describe the use of diplomacy and sanctions
  • Describe sources and problems of international law
  • Describe population, human rights and environmental issues