Conceptual Foundations of International Politics

Course Description

Under the guidance of Professor Lisa Anderson, Conceptual Foundations of International Politics (INAFU6800) introduces central concepts and approaches from a variety of social science perspectives, particularly comparative politics and international relations, used to explain, analyze and evaluate international politics and economics. Designed to help students think theoretically and analytically about leading issues in international affairs by introducing them to social science methods and scholarship; and by exposing them to the uses of such concepts in practice, through examination of contemporary problems and challenges in international affairs.



This graduate course at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs examines many of the central concepts, theories, and analytical tools used in contemporary social science to understand and explain international affairs. The course website houses readings from the course and links to external materials; provides an environment that allows students to discuss issues with members of their discussion sections, as well as with affinity groups whose members have common concerns and interests; captures every lecture from year 2000 on digital video, and made selected lectures available to this year's course members; and includes several video-based, informal interviews between the course's guest lecturers and teaching assistants who are familiar with their work.



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