The student will be able to:
A. Analyze the world capitalist system in global world economy.
B. Perform comparative analysis of north/south trade relations in global economy.
C. Investigate problems of international organizations and global trade relations.
D. Analyze semi-peripheral and peripheral nation states relations with core nations in global economy.
E. Analyze and synthesize contending theoretical formulations of international relations.
F. Apply any or a combination of contending theoretical formulations of international relations to a specific problem in international relations.

A. Introduction to the intellectual foundations of international relations as an academic discipline
1. Liberal institutionalism
2. Hobbesian realism and its contemporary variant of neo-liberalism
3. Marxist and neo-Marxist thinking
4. Contribution of dependency theory to international relations theory
5. Contribution of world systems theory to international relations theory
B. Liberal theories of international relations
1. Origins of liberalism in reaction to mercantilism
2. Contributions of Adam Smith and David Ricardo
3. Assumptions of liberalism as rational, utility-maximizing actors
4. Limitations of economic role of government
C. Marxist theory of international relations
1. Origins of Marxist perspective as a reaction to liberalism
2. Assumptions of Marxist perspective
3. Classes as dominant actors in the political economy
4. Classes acting in their material economic interests
5. Exploitative nature of capitalism and the international division of labor
D. The realist theory of international relations
1. Intellectual contributions of Hobbes, Machiavelli, Colbert and List
2. Emergence of realism in the 1930s
3. Assumptions of realism
4. Nation-states as dominant actors
5. Nation-states as power-maximizers
6. Nation-states as rational actors
7. Theory of hegemonic stability
8. Realism, political processes, and complex interdependence
9. Roles of international organizations
E. Contribution of dependency theory to international relations theory
1. Dependency as a socio-economic and political concept
2. Structural dependency as a socio-economic and political concept
3. The gap between rich and poor countries
4. Domestic inequality
5. Convergence and divergence
6. The state, growth, and inequality
7. Role of multilateral agencies in dependent underdeveloped states
8. The World Trade Organization in international trade
F. World systems theory contribution to international relations theory
1. Emergence of world capitalist system in 16th century Europe
2. Role of agriculture in the development of world capitalist system in 16th century
3. Incorporation of areas into world system
4. Concept of core, semi-periphery, and periphery
5. Contemporary function of world capitalist system
G. Role of non-government organizations (NGO) in the international political economy
1. The role of the United Nations in international relations
2. The role of specialized agencies of of the UN in international relations
3. The role of UNCHR in international conflict

Not applicable.

A. Weekly reading of required texts and demonstrating knowledge of literature through active participation in class discussions
B. Oral presentations on assigned topics, demonstrating synthesis of literature
C. Analytical research paper that demonstrates critical, analytical, research and writing skills and substantial knowledge of research topic
D. Midterm essay examination
E. Final essay examination

A. Formal weekly lectures
B. Group oral presentations on assigned topics
C. In-class discussions on assigned topics of critical importance to issues
D. Small group discussions on current issues in international relations

Goddard, C. Roe, Patrick Cronin, and Kishore C. Dash. International Political Economy: State Market Relations in the Changing Global Order. 3rd ed. Boulder, CO: Lynne Reiner Publishing, 2008.

Handleman, Howard. The Challenge of Third World Development. 4th ed. New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2006.

Kaufman, Joyce P. Introduction to International Relations Theory & Practice. NY: Rowan & Littlefield Int'l Publ., 2013.

Kaufman, Joyce P. A Concise History of US Foreign Policy. NY: Rowan & Littlefield, 2013.

McWilliams, Wayne C., and Harry Piotrowski. The World Since 1945: A History of International Relations. 8th ed. Boulder, CO: Lynne Reiner Publishers, 2014.

Mingst, Karen A. Essentials of International Relations. 4th ed. NY: W.W. Norton & Co., 2007.

Stark, Jeffrey (ed). The Challenge of Change in Latin America & the Caribbean: A North-South Reader. Univ. of Miami Publ., 2001.

Seligson, Mitchell, and John T. Passe-Smith. The Political Economy of Global Inequality. 8th ed. Boulder, CO: Lynne Reiner Publishers, 2014.

World Policy Journal articles.

Viotti, Paul R., and Mark V. Kauppi. International Relations & World Politics: Security, Economy, Identity. 5th ed. NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2013.

Foreign Affairs articles.

Latin American Perspectives. (print journal)

School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University. (print journal)



NOTE: Although some texts are older than the suggested "5 year or newer" standard, they remain seminal pieces of scholarship (texts) in this area of study.

 

A. Weekly assigned readings from texts, of over 200 pages, on module for week

B. Five to six pages of written outline of required weekly reading assignments

C. Development of research paper topic, its thesis and outline

D. 15 page critical analytical research paper assignment utilizing the scientific method