Loyola University Chicago

Department of Political Science

plsc 102: international politics

PLSC 102: International Politics
Professor Melin
MWF 9:20am / LSC

This course is designed to introduce students to the major actors, processes, problems, and issues in the arena of global politics.  The focus of the course is on both theoretical and empirical knowledge that has accumulated for the academic study of the interactions of international actors.  We will conduct a broad overview of theoretical approaches to understanding IR and examine key issues that characterize contemporary debates.  Lectures will cover issues at both a general theoretical level and with empirical examples and current events.  Students will become familiar with the contending theories and approaches in the study of IR, will come to understand the conceptual bases of rigorous social science, and will assimilate knowledge of historical and current events in the process. This course is an option in the "Societal and Cultural Knowledge" section of the core curriculum.

PLSC 102: International Politics
Mr. Wainwright
MWF 12:35pm / LSC

This course is an introduction to International Relations.  We will examine the major debates, conflicts, and challenges in the current international system from both theoretical and empirical standpoints. We will focus on the major theoretical positions and analytical tools of the field in order to understand why states interact as they do.  Topics will include wars, democracy, international organizations, globalization, terrorism, and security issues.  The course will include historical and contemporary examples.  This course is an option in the "Societal and Cultural Knowledge" section of the core curriculum.

PLSC 102: International Politics
Professor Sanchez
TTh 10:00am / LSC

This course is designed to provide a critical approach with which to study the world; explore some of the paramount goals of the global community; and examine ways in which to achieve those goals. First, in order to analyze our world, we will examine two ways in which global interactions can be understood and explained--one focusing on power and the other on principles. Throughout the course, we will consider three basic goals of the world community--the quest for peace, for prosperity and for ecological preservation. Although many global actors agree on these key goals, substantial disagreement remains on how to realize them. Consequently, we will consider mechanisms and strategies for achieving global peace, prosperity and ecological preservation. This course is restricted to learning community students.  This course is an option in the "Societal and Cultural Knowledge" section of the core curriculum.

PLSC 102: International Politics
Professor Endless
TTh 11:30am / LSC

This course introduces students to fundamental issues and concepts in international politics. The focus of analysis will be on the relations between states in the contemporary world. Topics examined will include competing perspectives in international relations, war and security issues, conflict resolution, international political economy, diplomacy and international organizations. This course is an option in the "Societal and Cultural Knowledge" section of the core curriculum.

PLSC 102: International Politics
Professor Grigorescu
TTh 1:00pm / LSC

This course introduces students to the major concepts and approaches in the study of international relations.  It seeks to treat the subject in an analytical and theoretical manner.  We will first discuss different approaches used in study of the field, as well as the assumptions and consequences involved in the use of such approaches.  The course will rely on examples from different areas of the world and from different moments in history.  In the second part of the courses, we will focus on specific issues that are of interest to the study of international relations such as military conflict, the global economy, the environment, and human rights. This course is an option in the "Societal and Cultural Knowledge" section of the core curriculum.

PLSC 102: International Politics
Mr. Gest
W 7:00pm / LSC

This introductory course in international relations will consider both historical and current issues in international relations, focusing on the role and interactions of states. We will examine the central theories and concepts of international relations with the goal of assessing how well they allow us to understand timeless political struggles within particular historical contexts. Topic examined will include international security, conflict resolution, and human rights. This course is an option in the "Societal and Cultural Knowledge" section of the core curriculum.