Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - IS 101 D900

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

Class Number: 4203

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2025
    Wed, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Surrey

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 provides an introduction to International Studies, an interdisciplinary field focused on the global challenges of the 21st century. The course is structured around the three interrelated streams of the undergraduate major at SFU:

  1. International Security and Conflict, which examines the causes and consequences of wars, both within and between states, and of the possible ways of resolving conflicts, and building peace and security.
  2. Comparative World Politics, Culture and Society, which examines issues such as religion and politics, nationalism, and patterns of democratization and authoritarian rule around the world; and
  3. International Development, Economic and Environmental Issues, which examines the problems of poverty and inequality, development strategies and policies, and issues around sustainable development.
The course introduces some of the questions, debates, and approaches for understanding and addressing important global challenges in each of the three streams.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will be of general interest to students in all disciplines. It is also a gateway to the major in International Studies. It provides knowledge valuable for careers in: international development, international law, diplomacy, human rights, humanitarianism, journalism, and environmental sustainability. In addition to developing your knowledge of global affairs and your critical thinking skills, the course requirements are designed to help you develop the kind of practical writing skills needed to work in many jobs in government and nongovernmental organizations, as well as in a range of professions beyond academia.

Grading

  • Tutorial Discussion 10%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Briefing Paper 30%
  • Final Exam 35%

REQUIREMENTS:

Students are required to complete all assigned readings, attend lectures, and participate actively in tutorial discussions. Final grades are based on the above mix of assignments.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Additional readings will be made available via Canvas or will be linked online. Canvas will also be used to view lecture powerpoints.

Students are encouraged to keep abreast of the daily news. The course readings and discussions are meant to engage the world around us and following the news will make this course more fulfilling. I suggest accessing the websites of The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Economist, The Guardian, or the BBC. You should also find a local news outlet from your country of choice so that you can access local perspectives.

REQUIRED READING:

Scott Straus and Barry Driscoll, International Studies: Global Forces, Interactions, and Tensions. CQ Press, 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.