Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - POL 141 D100

International Relations (3)

Class Number: 2709

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2026
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores causes and consequences of international political conflict, including war, terrorism, protectionism, nationalism, economic disparity, migration, and humanitarian crises. Evaluates how states and non-state actors navigate and influence these conflicts and the role of international law, diplomacy, and organizational cooperation. Analyzes worldviews on war, peace, human rights, and world order. Students who have taken POL 241 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

War in Ukraine and the Middle East. Climate change. Crypto currencies. Terrorism. Disease. Global events and processes are unfolding rapidly. Political Science 141 is designed to help students make sense of the global issues that confront them.

Students in this course will be introduced to key ideas and concepts in international relations and taught ways to make sense of world events. The course has no prerequisites and is open to all undergraduates at SFU. Topics include: The causes of war, why nuclear weapons promote peace and democracies do not fight each other, the challenges associated with tackling climate change, why the US dollar remains the world’s most important currency, and the reasons international cooperation is a lot like buying a used car.

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 15%
  • Examination 1 20%
  • Examination 2 20%
  • Final Exam 25%
  • In class Writing Assignments 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Frieden, Jeffry, David A. Lake, Kenneth A. Schultz, Susan Hyde, and Stephanie Rickard. 2026. World Politics: Interests, Interactions, Institutions. W.W. Norton Co.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.