About the Course
Why do states fight, and what makes them cooperate? World affairs in the 21st century have raised new questions about international politics and revisited complicated old ones. Where the field once primarily sought to understand the causes of war, scholars now debate the impacts of globalization, the relevance of sovereignty and the state, and the power of global norms in promoting international development and human rights. Through discussions, debates, simulations, and individual research, this course explores these and other complex problems in international affairs. By approaching issues from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives, you and your classmates will learn to think critically about the world and the ways to comprehend and solve global dilemmas, applying social scientific methods and exploring case studies to better understand the systemic forces that shape societies and their relations on the international stage.
Typical Class Size: 16-18
Learning Objectives
- Apply defining concepts and theories to the study of international relations now and throughout history
- Differentiate between multiple worldviews, power structures, ethical and cultural positions in relation to global problems
- Evaluate and synthesize information from diverse and reliable sources, differentiating between primary and secondary source material
- Construct logical arguments with theses and supporting evidence for their conclusions in written and oral form
- Use appropriate methods to research topics in international relations
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RIYou will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 14, 2026
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Essentials of Internation Relations, by Mingst and Arreguin-Toft
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 8, 2026
Full Waitlist AvailableTime Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Essentials of Internation Relations, by Mingst and Arreguin-Toft
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CAYou will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Essentials of Internation Relations, by Mingst and Arreguin-Toft
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid