International Relations

Course Number: 84-226

This course introduces students to the essentials of international relations (IR) and enables students to examine the causes of war and peace, the role of state and non-state actors in world politics, the forces that shape international law and international political economy, and current challenges to geopolitics, human rights, the environment, and human security. The course has three units, each beginning with four lectures/textbook chapters and followed by a “deeper dive” day (e.g. active learning / seminar discussion on supplemental readings), a day of student debates on contemporary world politics, a book club meeting where student groups read and discuss a new IR book beyond the textbook, and an exam. Though the course, students are equipped to understand trends/news in world politics.

Academic Year: 2025-2026
Semester(s): Spring
Units: 9
Location(s): Pittsburgh