Fall 2025 - POL 448 D100
Selected Topics in International Relations (4)
Class Number: 3190
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 5, 2025
Fri, 3:00–3:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Radoslav Dimitrov
rdimitro@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
Description
COURSE DETAILS:
Selected Topic - International Relations Theory
Course description:
The course examines major theories of international relations and current affairs in world politics. We will cover mainstream IR theory and explore global trends and policy challenges that shape international relations today. The course serves as a ‘reality check’ to help students see current affairs through the analytical lens of different academic perspectives.Current affairs that we will study include: US foreign policy under Donald Trump, the war in Ukraine, the Gaza War and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran in world politics, and climate change and the global transition to a clean economy.
Course objectives:
Students will pursue the following specific objectives:
1) Develop knowledge of mainstream theories of international relations;
2) Develop knowledge of current international affairs
3) Improve understanding of the forces that shape global politics; and
4) Refine your ability to engage in critical political analysis of current affairs.
Note: This course is combined with POL 841.
Grading
- Participation 25%
- Midterm exam 25%
- Research paper 25%
- Final exam 25%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Readings include journal articles in electronic format on Canvas, all of which are posted in Canvas. No book needs to be purchased.
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:
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.