MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD
POL 160—INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
SPRING SEMESTER 2026
Instructor: Paul A. Kramer, J.D., Ph.D., Professor, Political Science
Office: 281 MacLean Hall
Phone: (218) 477-4022
Office Hours: MW: 8:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m.
TH: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Class Meets: MW: 12 Noon to 12:50 p.m. BR 162
Electronic mail: paul.kramer@mnstate.edu
Course Catalog Description: Nation-state system: the network of economic, political, cultural and technological interdependence; power, diplomacy, intelligence, war and the arms race. Course offered: Fall and Spring Semesters, all years.
LASC/Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goals:
Goal Area 8: Global Perspective
Course Content: The study of international relations dates to antiquity and remains one of the most vital disciplines in the academic community. It is the study of relations among states and other political and economic units in the international system. Areas of study within the field of international relations include diplomacy and diplomatic history, international law, international organizations, international finance and economics, and communications, among others. In addition, increased attention has been paid in recent years to developing a more scientific understanding of the international system as a whole. Aspects of international relations have been studied as early as the time of the ancient Greek historian Thucydides. As a separate and definable discipline, however, it dates from the early 20th century, when the first efforts were made to find alternatives to war in nation-state behavior. Two schools of thought quickly developed. One looks to strengthen international law and international organizations to achieve peace. The other emphasizes that nations will always use their power to achieve goals and sees the only path to peace in a balance of power among competing state interests. We will explore these ideas and theoretical debates throughout the course. Format is primarily lecture with class discussion.
Outline of Major Course Content Areas:
1. The concept of international relations
2. Modes of analyzing international relations
3. Theories of international relations
4. Actors in international relations
5. Foreign policy
6. Causes of war
7. Problems of peace
8. Global human security
9. International political economy
Course Learning Objectives:
1. Students will understand the behavior of sovereign states and other international actors.
2. Students will understand the causes of war.
3. Students will understand the interaction of diverse cultures and the diplomatic relations of
international powers.
4. Students will understand the basic principles of international trade and finance.
5. Students will understand the conditions of peace.
6. Students will be able to apply principles of international relations to historical and contemporary
international systems.
Text: (Required)
International Politics—Power and Purpose in Global Affairs, 5th ed., D’Anieri (Cengage).
The book has been selected for what is termed "inclusive access," meaning you should have access to the textbook as of the first day of classes. You will be notified by email from a company called "KorText" which should provide instructions for accessing the ebook. If you wish to drop the course you may "opt out" of the text and must do so to avoid being billed. You will otherwise be billed automatically after approximately two weeks. This lowers the cost of instruction somewhat although I realize it remains expensive. If you wish to decline the text or find a paper copy used or whatever, that's up to you. I won't monitor whether you bought the textbook. It's there, take it or leave it.
Course Assignments:
4 Examinations each worth 100 points for a total of 400 points. Examinations will be multiple-choice questions and will cover both the assigned readings and the lectures. Exams will be “closed book.”
TOTAL POINTS: 400
Grading:
I usually assign grades by calculating a course “curve.” That may indeed be the final result in this class. However, I will first attempt to assign grades on a straight percentage basis. If that calculation produced what I feel to be lower overall grades than desirable, I will adjust the percentages downward, not upward. In other words, the percentage basis given here is a worst case or minimum points scenario.
The percentage grading system I would use then A: 90 or higher
B+: 85 - 89
B: 80 - 84
B-: 75 - 79
C: 60 - 74
D: 50 - 59
F: Below 50.
It is most likely then, that grades will be ultimately be determined by the use of a class comparison rubric or “curve” where students’ overall scores will be placed in rank order with deviations between grades determined in part by the overall distribution of scores within a given class. The +/- grading scale in assigning final grades may be utilized at the instructor’s discretion. Periodic estimates of the grading curve will be provided to students throughout the semester after each examination.
Missed Examinations Policy: If you miss a regularly scheduled examination, you have two options:
1) Accept a zero for the exam.
2) Take a make-up exam individually scheduled. You will have to make yourself available to take the exam when I am present or can set you up with a proctor, which will normally be during my office hours only. You may make up ONE exam in the normal course of business during the semester. I reserve the right to deny the right to make up an exam if I do not find the excuse plausible or acceptable. If a student must miss a regularly scheduled exam for a school sponsored event, alternate arrangements must be made as far in advance as possible and the instructor should be made aware of potential conflicts within the first two weeks of the semester. To even be considered for a makeup examination, I need DOCUMENTATION of your absence. Illness, child care emergency, family emergency or significant family commitment are the ONLY reasons I will accept for excusing an absence from an examination and I will require some form of written proof of why you were not in class to take the test. There will be a "universal make up day" the week of Thanksgiving if you need to make up one of the first three exams and cannot otherwise schedule it. There will be no regular class that day for an early Thanksgiving break for those who have completed the first three exams without incident.
Attendance: Attendance is required at lectures but roll will not be taken.
Weather Emergencies: We live in a cold and snowy climate. Many of us drive in to work/school every day. This creates the potential for problems with course attendance. For the record, you should note that MSUM’s weather policies are not very forgiving for the commuter. Classes are rarely cancelled even in the harshest conditions. As a result, I am expected to be here to teach when the University deems it possible to have classes. Therefore, if the University is open, you can virtually guarantee (though it is not an absolute certainty) that I will be here for class. I understand that there are times when weather conditions will make it legitimately impossible or impractical for you to attend class. You must use your own judgment in these situations. I will never penalize a student for missing class due to weather related contingencies, including missing an examination due to weather. Your life and well-being are more important than this class. I trust you will not abuse the privilege.
Special Accommodations: Minnesota State University Moorhead is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the campus office that collaborates with students who have disabilities to provide and/or arrange accommodations.
If you have, or think you may have, a disability (e.g. mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory or physical) please contact the DRC at (218) 477-4318 (V) or (800)627.3529 (MRS/TTY) to schedule an appointment for an intake.
Additional information is available on the DRC website: http://www.mnstate.edu/disability/
If you are registered with the DRC and have a current Accommodation Letter, please schedule an appointment to visit with the staff director during her office hours to discuss implementation of your accommodations.
Sexual Violence Prevention Statement: Acts of sexual violence are intolerable. MSUM expects all members of the campus community to act in a manner that does not infringe on the rights of others. We are committed to eliminating all acts of sexual violence. MSUM faculty and staff are concerned about the well-being and development of our students. We are obligated to share information with the MSUM Title IX Coordinator in certain situations to help ensure that the students’ safety and welfare is being addressed, consistent with the requirements of the law. These disclosures include but are not limited to reports of sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. If you have experienced or know someone who has experienced sexual violence, services and resources are available. You may also choose to file a report. For further information, contact Lynn Peterson, Coordinator of Sexual Assault Services at Hendrix Clinic and Counseling Center, 218-477-2211, or Ashley Atteberry, Title IX Coordinator in Owens Hall 208 (218-477-2174; ashley.atteberry@mnstate.edu). Additional information is available at: www.mnstate.edu/titleix
Academic Honesty: Students are expected to conform with the requirements of the MSUM student Academic Honesty Policy as documented in the Student Handbook.
Study Guides: Study guides providing key terms and concepts that may appear on examinations will be posted on my website and can be printed out at your convenience. Additional copies of this syllabus may also be obtained at that site.
Make-Up Work and Reasonable Accommodations:
Generally, I intend to discourage the practice of “make-up” work or examinations. If, however, you have a documented family emergency or long term illness, I will accommodate in rescheduling an examination. In no circumstances, however, will I give an examination BEFORE a scheduled date.
Reading Assignments/Semester Schedule of Lectures/Discussion: Generally, I will cover a chapter in approximately two days of lectures throughout the term.
Monday January 12--Introduction to the Course Syllabus and Policies
--Section 1: Introduction to International Relations---Problems and Questions; Historical Development, Theories of IR. (Classes from January 14 through February 4—6 class periods)
Chapter 1: Introduction: Problems and Questions in IR, focus on pp. 11- 18
Chapter 2: Historical Evolution of International Politics
Chapter 3: Realism and Liberalism
Chapter 4: Economic Structuralism (Marxism), Constructivism, Feminism, Postmodernism
NOTE: NO SCHOOL on MONDAY JANUARY 19 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY RECESS
EXAM 1 is MONDAY FEBRUARY 9 in class.
--Section 2: Conflict in International Relations: International Security, Use of Force, Great Power Politics
(Classes from February 11 through March 2—5 class periods)
Chapter 5: Democratic Peace Theory, pp. 120 – 133 only.
Chapter 8: War/Peace/Security
Chapter 9: Use of Force—Conventional Warfare and Terrorism
NO SCHOOL: Monday February 16---Faculty Professional Development Day
EXAM 2 is WEDNESDAY MARCH 4 in class.
NO SCHOOL: March 9 through March 13 Spring Break
--Section 3: Liberalism in International Relations: International Law, Organizations, Transnational actors, Human Rights Concerns (Classes from March 16 through March 30 (5 class periods).
Chapter 7: International Organizations/Transnational Actors
Chapter 13: International Law and Human Rights
EXAM 3 is WEDNESDAY APRIL 1 in class. (No, this is not an April Fool's joke. :))
Reserve day Monday April 6, to be used if I fall behind, otherwise no class.
--Section 4: Economics in International Relations—International Political Economy, Global Trade and Finance, Inequality and Development (Classes from April 8 through April 29(6 class periods)
NOTE: NO CLASS, Wednesday April 15----MAKE UP EXAM DAY (NO REGULAR LECTURE)
Chapter 10: International Political Economy
Chapter 11: Global Trade/Finance
Chapter 12: Global Inequality/Development
EXAM 4 is the “Final Examination” which will be held at the time/place indicated in the Spring 2026 MSUM Final Examination Schedule. This is the fourth unit exam of the course and is NOT a comprehensive final examination. As of this writing, the date I have recorded for the fourth POL 160 exam is Wednesday, May 6 at 12 Noon in BR 162.
STUDENTS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING THIS DATE AND COMPLYING WITH THE DATE AND TIME ASSIGNED BY THE UNIVERSITY IN THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE, AND MAY NOT RELY ON THIS SYLLABUS FOR THE DEFINITIVE WORD ON THE TIMING OF THE FOURTH (FINAL) EXAM.
***Please Note: This syllabus is NOT an enforceable “contract” between student and professor. The professor reserves the right to alter this syllabus at any time in the semester by writing or via in-class