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Introducing International Relations
In this free course you will be introduced to the subject of International Relations (IR). Drawn from the undergraduate module D228 Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives, it will give you an insight into this fascinating area of study. You will learn how IR seeks to analyse vital global problems and the key actors and issues involved. In the course you will explore two contemporary case studies: the competition between great powers like the USA and China for access to Africa’s resources; and the global efforts to combat international terrorism. You will come away with an insight into how to analyse and understand international affairs.
This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course D228 Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
- understand what International Relations is, and how International Relations is studied
- understand two contemporary examples of international relations: great powers in Africa and international terrorism
- demonstrate knowledge of the kinds of problems and questions International Relations as an academic subject tries to address
- identify some of the different actors and issues shaping international relations
- have an awareness of different perspectives and debates on international relations.
First Published: 16/07/2025
Updated: 16/07/2025
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