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PLIR 3060 Military Force in International Relations
Last taught: Fall 2026 Add to Schedule
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Review Summary Updated April 05, 2026

This class is deeply rooted in international relations theory and war studies, blending complex conceptual frameworks with extensive historical and contemporary case studies. Lectures are highly energetic but lack slides or strict structure, requiring you to stay engaged and take handwritten notes as the instructor covers dense material quickly. While the weekly reading load is notoriously heavy, many students manage by strategically prioritizing assignments and utilizing office hours, since your grade hinges almost entirely on a lengthy midterm paper and a multi-essay final. Only enroll if you are genuinely passionate about geopolitical debates, as the intense academic demand and unstructured pacing will quickly overwhelm those just looking to fill a requirement.

36 Reviews

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Fall 2010
5.0
Average

Copeland is a very dynamic lecturer and presents the material clearly. He offers his own opinions, but unlike many other professors he openly urges you to critically analyze his theory. Fascinating class, even for a non IR major. A+ for Mr. Copeland!

Instructor 5.0
Enjoyability 5.0
Recommend 5.0
Difficulty 3.0
Hours/Week 0.0
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Fall 2010
4.3
Average

There is considerable amount of reading involved in this class. It is a course that will teach you the main theories in International Relations supplemented with historical readings. Learn to master the theories and use them to make a logical argument with only slight reference to historical evidence for backup. Take Catherine Sanger as your TA as she is an amazing woman who really wants her students to take something out of this class. She is passionate and charismatic.

Instructor 4.0
Enjoyability 4.0
Recommend 5.0
Difficulty 4.0
Hours/Week 0.0
Fall 2010
4.7
Average

Fascinating class. Copeland is not biased, he just has his own theory that he offers to you. In fact, he encourages you not to "kow-tow" to the professor (his words) in the 10-page paper. Incredibly knowledgeable about the historical details of all major wars and keeps lecture pretty interesting. Zuri was the best TA I have had to date.

Instructor 4.0
Enjoyability 5.0
Recommend 5.0
Difficulty 3.0
Hours/Week 3.0
Fall 2010
2.7
Average

The class is relatively interesting, but Copeland is very biased with his DDT theory. Other levels of analysis (individual and domestic) are often overlooked as a result of his bias. If you like war- go for it. Otherwise, be cognizant!

Instructor 3.0
Enjoyability 2.0
Recommend 3.0
Difficulty 3.0
Hours/Week 2.0
Fall 2010
4.3
Average

Copeland loves the material and his enthusiasm makes lectures enjoyable to sit through. The reading can be overwhelming and repetitive, and the 10 page take home midterm essay is stressful. Watching Copeland draw his incredible map masterpieces on the board makes going to lecture beyond worth it.

Instructor 4.0
Enjoyability 4.0
Recommend 5.0
Difficulty 4.0
Hours/Week 0.0
Fall 2010
4.0
Average

Difficult class, but doable with a little focused work. Packs a lot into each lecture, but in a good way.

Instructor 4.0
Enjoyability 3.0
Recommend 5.0
Difficulty 4.0
Hours/Week 5.0
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