What is active learning?
The USC Global Policy Institute believes in the importance of active learning, learning through practice and by doing. Whether our fellows are writing articles and opinion pieces on recent developments throughout the world or organizing day-long conferences for local high school students to learn about foreign affairs, GPI emphasizes the unique benefits of active learning. At USC, classes like IR 431: Foreign Policy Analysis and programs like the USC Teaching International Relations Program encourage students to participate in active learning.
USC Teaching International Relations Program
The USC Center for Active Learning in International Studies hosts TIRP, a program for students to teach international relations concepts to high school students throughout the Los Angeles area. USC students — as TIRP teams — are the force behind the CALIS mission to promote student-driven analysis. Teams engage high school students with analytical tools that deepen critical thinking. In the USC tradition of innovation and service, TIRP volunteers teach tools to build lifelong skills for unpacking and responding to complex challenges.
Learn about TIRP and how to get involved here.
Give to TIRP here.
Case Studies
The USC Global Policy Institute is pleased to provide case studies for students interesting in learning about foreign affairs topics and diving deeper into global issues. These cases have all been written by USC students and if used in lessons or exams, should receive proper credit. Each case is an educational tool that identifies a specific lesson in international relations.
Click on each case to download as a PDF.
Luce Foundation Case Studies
The motivation and funding for the writing of these case studies is provided by a generous donation from the Henry Luce Foundation. The Henry Luce Foundation seeks to bring important ideas to the center of American life, strengthen international understanding, and foster innovation and leadership in academic, policy, religious and art communities.
Narendra Modi and the Indian Election
by Andreas Patasis, Jamie Kwong, Brian Kerrigan, Ramya Ramjee, Jacob Lokshin, Galen Erickson
Patriot Games: The Russian State, Kosovo and the Resurgence of the Russian Orthodox Church
by Jacob Lokshin, Alexis Turzan, Jensen Vollum
The Waiting Game: Will changing Tibetan Buddhist politics change foreign policy surrounding Tibet?
by Megan Sweas, Galen Erickson, Brian Kerrigan
Gay Rights as an International Human Rights Norm: The Rise and Fall of the 2009 Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill
by Daniel Hall
IR 341 Case Studies
Students in IR 341: Foreign Policy Analysis write a case study throughout their time in the course. Each student researches and writes on a topic of their choosing. The case study is meant to analyze a foreign policy question or puzzle and teach a pertinent lesson about foreign policy.