UISS 182 - Introduction to International Studies

Course Cross-listed with IS 100W
3 credit(s)
What role does the United Nations play in the world; Is it outdated and ineffective, or critical to health, development, and gender progress? With the rise of terrorism, how do we balance the need for security with that of privacy? Where does your coffee come from? Under what sort of conditions is it made? Is free trade actually beneficial? These are some of the questions we will contemplate and debate in this class. International studies is a fascinating field that defies easy categorization. It is interdisciplinary which means that it pulls from multiple disciplines (or fields) like history, political science, sociology, and gender studies to understand the political, economic, and social forces animating the world. We will cover security topics like terrorism, war, human migration, and development topics including global health, the environment, and energy. A critical part of this course will entail thinking about power in the international world. Who has more power? Who has less? How does that affect the world? How have power dynamics changed over time? While this is a gateway (and mandatory) course for International Studies major, it is created for anyone with an interest in global topics, no matter their background.

Click here for Fall 2024 course scheduling information.

Click here for Spring 2025 course scheduling information.