Global Affairs Explained: The Fundamentals

Overview

Today’s interdependent global economy and geopolitical landscape connect one country’s interests and actions more than ever to those of other countries and their citizens. “Global Affairs: The Fundamentals” is designed to provide learners with a detailed understanding of the political, historic, and theoretical contexts that shape our interconnected world. With this knowledge, learners will be able to address complex questions such as when (and why) a government might choose to isolate itself from other countries or engage with them, or respond to global events with a unilateral or multilateral approach. After completing the course, learners will be able to identify and explain the critical actors and forces that shape global affairs; explain the history of globalization from the 19th century to today, particularly as this history relates to humans’ social, political, and economic interconnectedness; and assess key theories and approaches to the workings of global affairs.

Syllabus

Module 1: Course Introduction

In this opening module, we discuss course aims, organization, and measures for assessment. By familiarizing themselves with this introductory material, learners will prepare themselves for success in later, more content-driven modules.

Module 2: Key Terms and Ideas in Global Affairs

What is “globalization?” What separates a capitalist from a communist government, and why does that matter for how the world works? What exactly is the United Nations anyway? This module answers these questions and more by providing a detailed explanation of the key terms, actors, and ideas in global affairs.

Module 3: History of the (More) Globalized World

Human history is a story of interaction, but when did that interaction begin? How has human interaction and connection slowed or hastened over time? Module Three explores the long history of human interconnectedness, paying particular attention to the last two hundred years of world history.

Module 4: Understanding Today’s World

How do policymakers understand global affairs and make decisions based on events unfolding in the world? Module Four explores the various strategy-based and theoretical approaches that exist to help structure our understanding of global affairs, guide policymakers in setting priorities, and help analysts understand events and make predictions based on them.

Module 5: Course Conclusion

This module concludes the course. In it, learners will read a brief summary of the material they have covered, take a full course assessment, and explore some additional steps to continue their global affairs learning journey.