From a theoretical perspective, the aim of the course is to explore the ways sociologist might think about the domestic determinants of international behavior, and vice versa. If you want to dip into some macro sociology, this may be what you are looking for. This course should interest anyone with an orientation to historical sociology, political sociology, and economic sociology, though the coverage of these areas is quite selective. No prior knowledge of economics, politics, or history is either required or assumed. But an interest in these topics is required.
Comparative sociology consists in comparing societies.
There are several intermediate positions. States, as Theda Skocpol said, are Janus-faced. States are positioned at the intersections of international economic, political and military systems on the one hand, and societal social structures on the other hand. In addition to the general sociological interest that I believe these issues have, I'm offering this course because it brings together a number of areas where I have a research interest. I think of myself as a historical sociologist with an interest in the sociology of politics, economics and war.