COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to key terms, concepts, issues and relationships in economics, geography, and political science. The course investigates how increasing globalization impacts issues such as the authority and competence of the nation-state, population growth and migration, economic development and trade, and patterns of international cooperation and conflict. May not be taken on an S/NC grade basis.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This course will enhance students' ability to do the following:

1. Think critically and analytically, integrate and synthesize knowledge, and draw conclusions from complex material.
2. Understand and appreciate American and other cultures, both contemporary and historical, appreciate diversity, and live responsibly in an interdependent world.
3. Acquire a base of knowledge common to educated persons, and the capacity to expand that base over their lifetime.
4. Develop problem-solving skills using maps, graphs, and tables of descriptive statistics.
5. Identify countries of the world and basic geographical features and patterns of resource distribution.
6. Understand the origins of international problems and the changing role of the U.S. in the world.
7. Understand contemporary population concepts and trends.
8. Compare political and economic systems and their effects on international relations and U.S. foreign policy.