DQ 1 Four Schools of Thought Before accessing the discussions for this week, you will want to complete the Quick Review Questions for Chapter 2. These activities are designed to ensure that you have a solid understanding of the key concepts. You can access the Quick Review Questions through the Multimedia Library link in the left-hand navigation menu, in your online classroom.

Summarize the advantages and disadvantages of one of the following four schools of thought: realism, liberalism, economic structuralism, or English School of rationalism. Compare and contrast your summary to one of the following theories: constructivism, feminism, postmodernism, or critical theory. Use the Chapter 2 Videos from the Multimedia Library, as well as the article, “The International Relations of Middle Earth:

Learning from The Lord of the Rings” to ensure that you have a solid understanding of each of the schools of thought and each of the theories. Incorporate specific examples from the videos and your readings. Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7. DQ 2 Future Worlds International relations evolve in a geopolitical environment driven by numerous and varied global trends. These global trends have shaped our world,

as they do now and will continue to do so. Review the four potential future scenarios presented in the National Intelligence Council’s publication Global Trends 2030: Alternative Worlds. Read each “Alternative World” and discuss one scenario that you find interesting or surprising. In particular, describe features of the scenario that discuss security, identity, and economic issues. Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. By Day 7, please respond to at least two other students who have chosen different scenarios than the one you chose.

Articles to used 1.National Intelligence Council (NIC). (2012). Global trends 2030: Alternative worlds. Washington DC: Chairman of the National Intelligence Council, 107-133. Retrieved from http://www.dni.gov/files/documents/GlobalTrends_2030.pdf ◦This article discusses four probable future worlds, in relation to global politics and international relations, which may exist in the future. 2.Ruane, A. E., & James, P. (2008). The international relations of Middle Earth: Learning from The Lord of the Rings. International Studies Perspectives, 9(4), 377-394. Retrieved from the EBSCOhost database. ◦This article uses characters from The Lord of the Rings to explain various theories that are related to international relations. Multimedia to use 1.MyPoliSciLab a.Simulation: You Are a Global Citizen http://media.pearsoncmg.com/long/long_mpsk_media_1/sims_2011/why_study_ir/player.html ◾Complete this simulation before participating in “Post Your Introduction Resource to use Website 1. Barry, M. (2011). Nation states. Retrieved from http://www.nationstates.net/ ◦This website allows you to create your own nation, based on your own ideals and desires.