Y569 is considered the gateway course (A and I) for further study in
International Relations.  It assumes no previous background in IR,
but it also assumes that all students in the course have a
professional interest in the development of the subfield.  The
emphasis throughout is theoretical, as opposed to empirical or
normative concerns.  The study of international relations is cursed
or blessed with a wide spectrum of alternative assumptions and
frameworks for its study.  Surveying this spectrum of choices, and
their historical and analytical evolution, is the primary objective
of the course.  After completing the survey, students cannot expect
to be experts in IR theory but, at least, they will have some better-
than-average understanding of the theoretical landscape that will
serve as one prerequisite to preparing for preliminary exams.