Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - IS 101 D100

Global Challenges of the 21st Century: An Introduction to International Studies (3)

Class Number: 4202

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 14, 2025
    Sun, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces the interdisciplinary field of International Studies to all undergraduates and IS majors. Examines the major global challenges of our time, including poverty and inequality, environmental degradation, nationalism, civil war, and armed conflict. Explores the challenge of global governance and global citizenship. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines some of the pressing global challenges of the 21st century, which are related to conflict and security, poverty and inequality, economic development, migration, nationalism, environmental change, and global health. We will explore the conditions that give rise to these challenges and how they are interconnected. We will also assess important international responses to these problems.

We will begin by examining key aspects of contemporary global affairs, including: the system of sovereign states, global capitalism, globalization, and the international human rights regime. We will also examine some of the key actors in global governance and world affairs, including states, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and transnational corporations.

To understand the multifaceted nature of contemporary global problems, we will focus on research from across the social sciences; and, we will discuss this research in relation to contemporary events.
The questions we will explore include:

  • What are the causes and consequences of war and armed conflict; and, how can such conflicts be prevented?
  • Why has poverty persisted in different areas of the world and what should be done to reduce it?
  • In what ways has democracy been challenged and weakened by globalization and inequality, populism, and conflict?
  • How do international human rights agreements protect individuals from political violence and from other threats to their security, dignity, and well-being?
  • Why is it difficult to address environmental problems at a global level? How might progress be made in responding to these challenges?
This course provides valuable knowledge for careers in: international development, international law and policy, diplomacy, human rights, humanitarianism, journalism, and environmental sustainability.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

In this course, students will develop their ability to:

  • Describe and critically analyze the nature and causes of contemporary global challenges related to security, development, environmental change, migration and global health
  • Describe and evaluate key international responses to these challenges
  • Describe and critically analyze the system of sovereign states, capitalism, globalization, and the human rights regime
  • Describe and critically assess the roles played by states, intergovernmental organizations, and nongovernmental organizations in addressing global challenges
  • Communicate ideas clearly and persuasively in writing

Grading

  • Portfolio of Short Written Assignments 15%
  • In-Class Exercises* 15%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 35%
  • Tutorial Participation 10%

NOTES:

*Four in-class exercises will be administered during tutorials and the best three of them will count toward this portion of your final grade.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

The SFU Library offers the text for free PDF download up to 100 pages in a 24-hour period. Additional required readings will be made available via Canvas or will be linked online.

REQUIRED READING:

Scott Straus and Barry Driscoll, International Studies: Global Forces, Interactions, and Tensions (Second Edition, 2022).

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.

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.