Making Sense of the World

Course Description

Study with Brown University in Segovia, Spain!

As the globalization of the world economy erodes national borders, nation states have become more interdependent than ever before. Indeed, developments in one region of the world can have a profound impact on those living on the other side of the globe. This introductory course aims to explore some of the broad topics in the study of international relations including sovereignty, power, anarchy, interdependence, the interaction between non state actors and nation states, and how different actors in international relations (states, MNCs, international organizations such as the IMF, NGOs) all have a significant role to play in addressing 21st century global challenges such as poverty eradication & development, transnational security & terrorism, and financial crises.

Learning Objectives:
Through the analysis of videos, news articles, in-class simulations and presentations, students will get a preliminary understanding of many of the political and economic issues that affect and shape the international system today. Students will have the opportunity to analyze 21st century global challenges and come up with possible solutions to these problems.

The course is structured as such that the instructor serves as facilitator for class discussion. Thus students are expected to come to class fully prepared for active participation.

The course includes the following topics:
• Introduction to International Relations
• Anarchy and Balance of Power in the International System
• Non State Actors: International Institutions and Global Governance
• Global Poverty and Inequality: International Development and Foreign Aid
• Addressing Financial Crises: The Evolving Role of the International Monetary Fund

For more information, please see the program website.

Prerequisites: None