Intro to International Relations

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Intro to International Relations"

Brittany Crawford
6 years ago
Views:

1 Intro to International Relations University of California, Merced School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts Spring 2011 Instructor Contact Course Information Professor Courtenay Conrad Course: POLI Time: T/Th 9:00-10:15 AM Office: COB 376 Location: COB 113 Office Hours: T/Th 10:15-11:15 AM Website: UCMCROPS Teaching Assistant Contact Discussion Information Dr. Ramin Mirfakhraie Course: POLI D; D Time: F 8:00-8:50; 9:00-9:50 AM Office: AOB 157 Location: KOLLIG Course Description This course is an introduction to the concepts and theories that political scientists use to explain events in international relations. We will discuss topics including the structure of the international system, the causes and consequences of international war and cooperation, and the increasingly interdependent international economy. Rather than focus on memorizing facts about the international system, however, we will concentrate on theoretical explanations for systematic relationships between social, economic, and political variables. As such, the course is scientific in nature and will provide students with a variety of simple methodological tools for analyzing political questions in the international realm. There are two components to this course: (1) a lecture component meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays run by Professor Conrad, and (2) a discussion section component meeting Fridays run by the Teaching Assistant, Dr. Mirfakhraie. During the lecture, Professor Conrad will present course material, administer tests and quizzes, and collect classroom assignments. During the discussion sections, Dr. Mirfakhraie will lead students in discussions about current events and debate policy options about various topics in international relations. 2 Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) At the end of this course, students should be able to: 1

2 1. Understand the core theories in international relations and apply them to current events in world politics (Advances PLOs 1 & 2). 2. Generate theories about how individuals, nation-states, and international institutions interact to produce outcomes in world politics and assess whether those theories stand up to empirical evidence (Advances PLOs 1, 2, & 3). 3. Make policy recommendations regarding various topics in international relations based on theory and empirical evidence, and communicate those recommendations orally and in writing (Advances PLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5). 3 Political Science Learning Objectives (PLOs) 1. An understanding of the processes, theories, and empirical regularities of political institutions and political behavior in the student s chosen emphasis area: American politics, comparative politics, or international relations. 2. An ability to employ critical thinking and demonstrate social scientific literacy, including basic quantitative literacy. 3. A capacity to utilize contemporary social science research methods to conduct rigorous research on political phenomena. 4. Effective written communication skills, especially the ability to convey complex concepts and information in a clear and concise manner. 5. An ability to apply abstract theory and research methods to understand contemporary political events and public policies. 4 Reading Material There is one require book for the course, and it is available at the campus bookstore and a wide variety of online retailers. Note that purchase of the ebook is less expensive than purchase of the traditional text. Readings assigned for Discussion Section meetings will be made available via UCMCROPS. You are expected to do the assigned readings before the class period indicated on the syllabus and come to class prepared with questions. Frieden, Jeffry A., David A. Lake, and Kenneth A. Schutlz World Politics: Interests, Interactions, Institutions. New York: W.W. Norton. 2

3 5 Evaluation Your final grade is a weighted average of the following components to total 600 points, described in detail below: Exams (300 points 3 exams at 100 points each) Analytical Response Papers (150 points 2 papers at 75 points each) Discussion Session Attendance (50 points 10 meetings at 5 points each) Discussion Session Paragraphs (100 points 10 papers at 10 points each) 5.1 Grading Scale A C A C B D B D B D C F 59 and below 5.2 Exams You will take three non-cumulative exams this course (Assesses SLOs 1 & 2). The exams will cover material from lectures and readings. Each exam will contain predominately multiple choice and true/false questions, as well as several short answer questions. Each exam will count for 100 points of your final course grade. 5.3 Analytical Response Papers You will be required to write two short (three pages, double-spaced) response papers in this course (Assesses SLOs 1, 2, & 3). In these papers, you will be required to summarize and critique the readings on a particular topic discussed in the discussion sections using the theories and information learned in lecture. Further details about the papers will be given in addenda to this syllabus once the semester begins. Each paper will be worth 75 points of your final grade. 5.4 Discussion Section Attendance In order to maximize the learning experience in the discussion sections, students are required to attend the sessions regularly and engage and participate in the discussions. Attendance 3

4 will be taken during each discussion session; it is worth 50 points of your grade (Assesses SLOs 1 & 2). You may miss one session without losing points. For each additional absence, you will lose five of the 50 available points for Attendance. 5.5 Discussion Section Paragraphs Participation is also a key component of the discussion sessions. To facilitate your participation in discussion sessions, you are required to write a one-paragraph (at least five sentence) summary of your thoughts on the weekly discussion readings (Assesses SLOs 1, 2, & 3). Writing this paragraph will (1) motivate you to do the reading, and (2) prepare you to discuss your insights and opinions with your classmates during the discussion sessions. There are eleven discussion sessions; you are required to turn in ten paragraphs, meaning you can skip one without it negatively affecting your grade. Each paragraph is worth 10 points of your final grade. 6 Administrative Policies 6.1 Technology The use of laptops and cell phones are not permitted during class. Please turn off or silence this equipment when you enter the classroom, and do not take it out during class time. You may only use a laptop if you have the required documentation from disability services. 6.2 Course Website and The course website can be accessed through UCMCROPS. Please check this site regularly for readings, assignments, and other updates. Announcements may be sent out via or posted directly on UCMCROPS. You are responsible for all information disseminated via UCMCROPS and/or . I will respond to during normal business hours within four hours of receipt. Please do not send me an on Sunday evening or an hour before an exam and expect an immediate response. 6.3 Attendance I do not take attendance in lecture. However, I cannot stress enough how important it is to attend class, in part because I do not post lecture slides on CROPS. Many of the readings we will be doing for this course are demanding and will require clarification. Furthermore, I will often discuss information in class that is not included in the readings. You will be responsible for that information on tests and quizzes, and I will not repeat that information 4

5 to you one-on-one during my office hours. As a result, it is to your benefit to attend class regularly. 6.4 Absences from Exams and Late Work Makeup exams and in-class activities will be allowed when students are participating in formally sanctioned University events if proper documentation is provided at least two days prior to the exam. Makeup exams and in-class activities will be allowed in the case of an extraordinary circumstance if accompanied by sufficient documentation within two days after the exam or activity. The instructor reserves the right to determine what constitutes an extraordinary circumstance. Makeup quizzes will not be permitted under any circumstances, but please remember that I do drop your lowest quiz grade. 6.5 Assignment Review If you are concerned about your grade on an assignment, I am happy to review it. However, I require that you 1) wait 24 hours after the assignment has been returned to you to request review, and 2) outline your concerns about the assignment grade via , explaining to me why your grade should be changed. Please be aware that I will regrade the entire assignment (not just one portion of it) if you request review, and I reserve the right to raise or lower your grade as a result. 6.6 Academic Integrity Each student in this course is expected to abide by the University of California, Merced s Academic Honesty Policy. In short, this means that cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Students violating the Academic Honesty Policy in this course will receive a minimum penalty of a grade of zero for the assignment or test in question and may receive an F in the course and referral to Judicial Services at my discretion. 6.7 Students with Disabilities The University of California, Merced is committed to ensuring equal academic opportunities and inclusion for students with disabilities based on the principles of independent living, accessible universal design and diversity. Students with disabilities who anticipate needing an academic accommodation in this course should provide me with the proper documentation from the Disability Services Center within the first week of class. 5

6 6.8 Courtesy in the Classroom Attention to classroom courtesy is necessary to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn without distraction. As such, cell phones should be turned off or silenced during class and put away. Do not talk on your cell phone or text message during class. You are permitted to use laptops during class, but I reserve the right to ask you to put your laptop away if you are using it for purposes unaffiliated with my course. Please be on time to class and remain in class until you are dismissed. If you must arrive late or leave early, please take the seat nearest an exit, and enter or leave as quietly as possible. Please show respect for others by refraining from talking during lectures, as well as when other students are speaking. Similarly, please respect the opinions of your fellow students, even if you are in disagreement with them. Repeated disruption of class may lead to your being asked to leave the classroom and/or a reduction of your final grade. 7 Course Schedule This schedule is a guide for the course and is subject to change at my discretion with appropriate notice. Please read the appropriate readings before the course period for which they are listed. Week 1 Tuesday, January 18, 2011: What is International Relations? Reading: FL&S, Introduction Thursday, January 20, 2011: Development of the International System Reading: FL&S, Ch. 1 Friday, January 21, 2011: Discussion Session Isms Reading: Snyder, Jack. One World, Rival Theories. Foreign Policy (November/December 2004) p Week 2 Tuesday, January 25, 2011: Thinking about International Politics Reading: FL&S, Ch. 2 Thursday, January 27, 2011: Thinking about International Politics Reading: FL&S, Ch. 2 Friday, January 28, 2011: Discussion Session Social Science & IR Reading: Bueno de Mesquita, Bruce Chapter 2: Evaluating Arguments about International Politics. Principles of International Politics: People s Power, Preferences, and 6

7 Perceptions. 2nd ed. Washington DC: CQ Press, p Week 3 Tuesday, February 1, 2011: Why War? Reading: FL&S, Ch. 3 Thursday, February 3, 2011: Why War? Reading: FL&S, Ch. 3 Friday, February 4, 2011: Discussion Session US Foreign Policy Reading #1 : Obama, Barack Renewing American Leadership. Foreign Affairs 86(4):2-16. Reading #2 : Rice, Condoleeza Rethinking the National Interest: American Realism for a New World. Foreign Affairs 87(4):2-26. Week 4 Tuesday, February 8, 2011: Domestic Politics & War Reading: FL&S, Ch. 4 Thursday, February 10, 2011: Domestic Politics & War Reading: FL&S, Ch. 4 Friday, February 11, 2011: Discussion Session Weapons of Mass Destruction Reading #1 : Feinstein, Lee, and Anne-Marie Slaughter A Duty to Prevent. Foreign Affairs 83(1): Reading #2 : Lieber, Keir A., and Daryl G. Press The Nukes We Need: Preserving the American Deterrent. Foreign Affairs 88(6): Week 5 Tuesday, February 15, 2011: Catch-up/Review Thursday, February 17, 2011: Exam #1 Friday, February 18, 2011: No Discussion Sessions Week 6 Tuesday, February 22, 2011: International Institutions Reading: FL&S, Ch. 5 7

8 Thursday, February 24, 2011: International Institutions Reading: FL&S, Ch. 5 Friday, February 25, 2011: Discussion Session Peacekeeping Reading #1 : Evans, Gareth, and Mohamed Sahnoun The Responsibility to Protect. Foreign Affairs 81(6): Reading #2 : Autesserre, Severine The Trouble with Congo. Foreign Affairs 87(3): Week 7 Tuesday, March 1, 2011: International Trade Reading: FL&S, Ch. 6 Thursday, March 3, 2011: International Trade Reading: FL&S, Ch. 6 Friday, March 4, 2011: Discussion Session Effects of Trade Reading: Trade and Equality: Does Free Trade Promote Economic Equality? In Controversies in Globalization. CQ Press. Week 8 Tuesday, March 8, 2011: International Financial Relations Reading: FL&S, Ch. 7 Thursday, March 10, 2011: International Financial Relations Reading: FL&S, Ch. 8 Friday, March 11, 2011: Discussion Session Fixing Capitalism Reading: Fixing Capitalism In Global Issues. CQ Press. Week 9 Tuesday, March 15, 2011: International Studies Association Conference (No Class) Thursday, March 17, 2011: International Studies Association Conference (No Class) Friday, March 18, 2011: No Discussion Sections Week 10 Tuesday, March 22, 2011: Spring Break (No Class) 8

9 Thursday, March 24, 2011: Spring Break (No Class) Friday, March 25, 2011: Spring Break (No Class) Week 11 Tuesday, March 29, 2011: International Monetary Relations Reading: FL&S, Ch. 8 Thursday, March 31, 2011: International Monetary Relations Reading: FL&S, Ch. 8 Friday, April 1, 2011: Discussion Session Microfinance Reading: Evaluating Microfinance In Global Issues. CQ Press. Week 12 Tuesday, April 5, 2011: Catch-up/Review Thursday, April 7, 2011: Exam #2 Friday, April 8, 2011: No Discussion Sessions Week 13 Tuesday, April 12, 2011: Development Reading: FL&S, Ch. 9 Thursday, April 14, 2011: Development Reading: FL&S, Ch. 9 Friday, April 15, 2011: Discussion Session Foreign Aid & Poverty Reading: Poverty: Can Foreign Aid Reduce Poverty In Controversies in Globalization. CQ Press. Week 14 Tuesday, April 19, 2011: Transnational Networks Reading: FL&S, Ch. 10 9

10 Thursday, April 21, 2011: Transnational Networks Reading: FL&S, Ch. 10 Friday, April 22, 2011: Discussion Session Prosecuting Terrorists Reading: Prosecuting Terrorists In Global Issues. CQ Press. Week 15 Tuesday, April 26, 2011: Human Rights Reading: FL&S, Ch. 11 Thursday, April 28, 2011: Global Environment Reading: FL&S, Ch. 12 Friday, April 29, 2011: Discussion Session Alternative Energy Reading: The Future of Energy: Should Governments Encourage the Development of Alternative Energy Sources to Help Reduce Dependence on Fossil Fuels? In Controversies in Globalization. CQ Press. Week 16 Tuesday, May 3, 2011: Future of IR Reading: FL&S, Ch. 13 Thursday, May 5, 2011: Review/Catch-up Friday, May 6, 2011: No Discussion Sessions Final Exam Tuesday, May 10, 2011 (8:00 AM 11:00 AM) 10

Accounting 312: Fundamentals of Managerial Accounting Syllabus Spring Brown

Accounting 312: Fundamentals of Managerial Accounting Syllabus Spring Brown Class Hours: MW 3:30-5:00 (Unique #: 02247) UTC 3.102 Professor: Patti Brown, CPA E-mail: patti.brown@mccombs.utexas.edu Office: GSB 5.124B Office Hours: Mon 2:00 3:00pm Phone: (512) 232-6782 TA: TBD TA