IR 101: Introduction to the Origins of Modern International Relations
Rigorous but enjoyable educational journey into the origins of modern international relations that still impacts our present world
Professor Zbysek Brezina, PhD
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(137)
What's included
15 live meetings
12 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will be required to research and analyze the development of their country in relationship to the development of Europe as a whole and make decisions regarding the possible future development of their country (additional details will be explained in class). Also they will read various documents and articles.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
This course is designed to provide students with a broad introduction to the study of the origins of modern international politics/relations, and will focus on significant themes and debates such as foreign policy, the role of great powers and superpowers, as well as ethnic and religious movements and terrorist groups in the arena of international affairs. Students will undertake the European Leadership Project, a simulation that focuses on Europe and its political, military, economic, and cultural developments from the end of the Napoleonic wars in 1815 until the start of World War I in 1914. Each student will take on the role of a leader of a country such as the Austrian Empire, the Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia (Germany), France or smaller but influential countries such as the Kingdom of Two Sicilies or Switzerland. In each game session, the leader of the country will make a presentation regarding his or her decisions before the entire class and answer questions posed to him/her from his/her opponents. In addition to the presentation, each president, emperor, king, tsar, pope, or duke has a chance to circulate in the class and try to solicit support. The final decisions will be based on a vote by all the leaders including the instructor. After each game session, students will be asked to analyze and critique their opponents’ strategies. To make the project more interesting, the instructor will sometimes announce a major international crisis that may change the direction of the game. Points are based on how well students research and analyze both their own and their opponents’ decisions. For instance, we will focus our attention on the following questions during the course: 1. What is the study of International Relations concerned with? 2. What is the importance of good relations between countries with respect to the economy? 3. What is the relationship between constructivism and realism in International Relations? 4. How did nationalism contribute to the rise of imperialism? 5. Why was the 1929 Geneva Conference necessary? Contents: Introduction to International Relations and Diplomacy Niccolo Machiavelli Realism, Liberalism and Constructivism Anatomy of International Crises States The Balance of Power and the Security Dilemma Spectrum of State Coerciveness Modern Democracies Totalitarian Regimes Nonstates Intergovernmental Organizations the United Nations Problems and Challenges I (nuclear weapons, chemical and biological weapons, violations of human rights)' Problems and Challenges II (the threat to environmental security) A New World Order in the 21st Century
Learning Goals
The class has two main goals. One is to provide students with a basic factual knowledge of the origins of the international politics/relations of the modern world. Just as important, however, is the ability to use this information productively to evaluate, synthesize, or interpret key facts and ideas. The instructor will provide websites for students to read to gather information, and also present factual information in class. Students will learn how to integrate factual data into some basic understanding of how the modern world arose and the world issues which concern policymakers and citizens today. This class will thus emphasize the development of cognitive skills such as primary source analysis, logical inferences, and map construction and interpretation.
Other Details
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined March, 2020
5.0
137reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Doctoral Degree in History from Boston University
I have taught history, social studies, and international relations for over twenty-five years at all levels, including elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. I have a Ph.D. in history from Boston University, and spent ten years as a tenure-track assistant professor teaching world and European history at two liberal arts colleges. I have spent the past few summers teaching history, international relations, Model United Nations, and political science to talented and gifted students in the U.S. and abroad. Recently I was teaching eighth-grade history and social studies at an independent school.
My life long passion is to spark an interest for history and international relations in my students, and to help them learn 21st Century skills such as effective writing, research, and critical thinking skills. I love to work with students in a small group, and enjoy tailoring my tutoring to every student's unique needs and abilities. I strive to develop my students' confidence in themselves, and to make each session challenging, fun, and not overwhelming.
I am looking forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve success in your studies!Reviews
Live Group Class
$375
for 15 classes1x per week, 15 weeks
50 min
Completed by 34 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
2-10 learners per class
