International Relations: How the World Works
The subject of international relations is more relevant than ever. We are living through a time of disruption and promise. On one hand, technology offers more people a voice—on the other, populist movements threaten democracy. The world economy is strongly connected, yet threats like pandemics shut down supply chains and cause shortages. Industry is more productive, but causes environmental ills. How do these problems and potentials interact? What will your role be in the future? If you are interested in international relations, politics, law, economics or just curious about how our world works, this course is a must. Choose from our enrichment and college credit options, and discover this exciting subject today.
Program Dates
Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Enrichment Course Fees
$1,795
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
College Credit Course Fees
$3,995
What's the Difference Between our College Credit and Enrichment Courses?
While both options include dynamic video lessons by renowned Georgetown faculty and access to support, the college credit courses contain additional coursework hours and allow you to earn college credit upon completion. We recommend selecting either the college credit or the enrichment option as some content overlaps between the two modalities.
International Relations College Credit Course$3,995
Length of Course: 6-, 8-, or 12-weeks
Instruction & Activities: 128 hours
Grading: Letter grade
On Your Own Schedule: ✔️
Academic Support: ✔️
Final Project: ✔️
College Credit Hours: ✔️
Certificate of Completion: Georgetown Transcript
International Relations Enrichment Course$1,795
Length of Course: 1-, 2, or 4-weeks
Instruction & Activities: 20-30 hours
Grading: Pass/Fail
On Your Own Schedule: ✔️
Academic Support: ✔️
Final Project: ✔️
College Credit Hours:❌
Certificate of Completion:✔️
How Does the World Work — and How Will It Work?
What is International Relations?
Our world isn’t just a collection of nations, leaders, and issues—it’s an intricate system. Learn the history of international relations, skills required, and the many career opportunities.
Understand the Structure of Today’s International System.
Think of it as a chess game, and the resulting power shifts in every move. Explore the players, goals, and rules of the game of international relations.
Learn How Human Rights Have Become a Guiding Force.
Evaluate different world viewpoints on human rights. Review and discuss genocide and the evolution of international human rights law. Are healthcare and education human rights?
Gain Insight Into the Many Kinds of Force.
Learn how war differs from terrorism and cyber attacks. Study the international laws related to the use of force and a nation’s right to defend itself.
Apply the Tools of International Relations to a Simulated Crisis.
Assume the role of a President faced with a human rights crisis in a far-off nation. Identify the actors, issues, and determine what actions to take.
Explore College Majors and Future Careers.
Topics in this course offer a good background for potential college majors and career paths related to international relations, political science, law, history, sociology, and the sciences.
How You Will Benefit
- Learn the skills needed to be an international relations professional.
- Identify the leading players of today’s global system.
- Learn the different theories of human rights.
- Be able to discuss environmental issues, international conflict, and technological change in an informed manner.
- Discover your role and what your future could hold.
- Complete a Final Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion or College Credit from Georgetown University.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Final Capstone Project
Assume the role of the U.S. President and make a decision about how to solve a global crisis. This will involve:
- Writing a “Policy Paper” outlining your goals, recommended actions, and what success looks like.
- Thinking through how you will modify your decision based on interactions with international organizations such as the Security Council.
- Answering the question: will you use force, economic sanctions, or diplomacy?
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor or TA who will support you and answer questions throughout your learning experience. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
- Inspiration and motivation to help you succeed.
- Brainstorming to help you prepare for your project.
- Feedback on your Final Capstone Project.
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
- Flexible format: you’ll learn through video lectures. Tune in anytime that works for you.
- 20 to 30 hours (enrichment) or 128 hours (college credit) of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Hear from Georgetown University
What Our Students Are Saying
Jonathan, international relations student from Va."It was an amazingly informative experience that lets you connect with people across the world with similar interests to you. That coupled with the ability to take it at whatever pace you want made it an incredibly enjoyable course. "
Fiona, international relations student from Ill."The course was super fun, and I feel that I learned a lot! I would absolutely recommend it to anybody interested in International Relations."
Course Designed by Georgetown University Faculty
Anthony Clark Arend, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of the Department of Government at Georgetown University
Dr. Arend, a renowned and popular professor at Georgetown University, designed and leads both the international relations and the international law pre-college courses. He earned a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Foreign Affairs from the Department of Government and Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia, and he received his B.S.F.S from Georgetown University. He is also the author of Legal Rules and International Society.
Meet Your Mentors and TAs
Gabrielle
Georgetown University student working toward a Ph.D. in American Government. Served as a TA for U.S. Politics and Polling and Survey Methodology courses at Georgetown. Gabrielle's research is primarily focused on environmental politics, with a secondary focus on research related to political science pedagogy and democracy in the U.S.
Zarriea
Undergraduate student majoring in Finance with a minor in Politics and International Affairs. Completed internships at Bank of America, AT&T, and South State Bank. Aspires to become the Chief Financial Officer of a Fortune 500 company.
Alexis
Undergraduate student at Georgetown University majoring in International Political Economy and minoring in Women’s and Gender Studies. Laidlaw Scholar conducting research in eldercare in East Asia. Aspires to work in the federal government as a foreign service officer.
How to Apply
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Our application asks you to provide the following:
- Basic contact information for you and your parent or guardian.
- Why you wish to take this course, and a bit of your story, through writing, video, photos—any media you prefer.
Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes to answer the questions.
Begin the process
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Answers to Your Questions HereScholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.
The University reserves the right to modify the course as may become necessary.