INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
Prof. Howard LehmanPolitical Science 2100
Office: Bldg. 73: rm. 233Fall 2016
Hours:MW: 10-11 am, and by apptMW: 11:50-1:10 pm
Phone: 801-581-6246SW 134
Email:
Teaching Assistant: Arafat KabirOffice Hours: T: 12:30-1:30 pm;
W: 1:30 - 2:30 PM, and by appt
Email: ffice: To be determined
Course Objectives: This course introduces students to global politics in a systemic fashion. It is designed to provide students with the analytical skills to develop a conceptual understanding of international politics. The course will discuss current events by drawing on the main theories found in international relations.
Course Description: The course is divided into four sections. Part I introduces the main approaches and conceptual frameworks used in international politics. Part II examines the structure and actors of international politics. Part III focuses on conflict in the world political system. Part IV examines global economic issues. Finally, Part V discusses the challenges facing world politics, especially in terms of health, the environment, and human rights.
Requirements: While this is a large class and primarily a lecture class, I will ask questions and expect active participation. Students will be held responsible for all required readings listed on the syllabus. You will be evaluated based on two mid-term exams and a final exam. There will be a study session prior to each exam. Additionally, we will utilize online discussion and blog responses to online videos or other class related materials. Each Monday starting August 29, a set of questions will be posted on Canvas that will be related to a New York Times article, video, or other materials. To receive full credit (10% of course grade), you will need to submit your responses by the following Monday. Also, class participation/attendance in part will be based on questions that will be distributed randomly during the semester. Attendance will affect your class participation and excessive absences may result in a lower grade. An excused absence means you have a medical excuse or documented emergency. Active class participation and consistent attendance can only improve your final grade.
Canvas: You should check the online feature, Canvas, from time to time to download the syllabus, any extra reading, and study guides. Students will be held responsible for all academic policies and procedures listed in the Student Handbook, including plagiarism.
Please check your U of Utah email since this will be the primary way I will communicate to you about events and any changes to the syllabus.
Grades: A student must complete all exams in order to receive a passing grade. No make-up tests, deadline extensions, or incompletes will be given except in cases of documented illness or sudden personal emergency. The dates of the exams and their value in terms of the course grade break down as follows:
First Mid-term Exam20%Sept. 26
Second Mid-term Exam30%Oct. 31
Final Exam40%Dec. 13
Online participation10%Weekly assignments
Course Readings: The following books are available for purchase in the Bookstore.
Mingst, Karen and Ivan Arreguin-Toft. 2016. Essentials of International Relations, 7th edition (Norton).
Mingst, Karen and Jack Snyder. 2011. Essential Readings in World Politics, 4th edition (Norton).
I also strongly recommend that you read the New York Times with particular focus on international events. It is available for free on campus.
IMPORTANT POINTS
Use Laptops ONLY for Note-Taking!: I have found that laptops often provide substantial distractions to students and to the instructor. Please only use your laptops for note-taking. If you are observed watching videos, Facebooking, etc, I may prohibit the use of all laptops for the rest of the semester. Additionally, you are not allowed to use any other devices (cell phones) during the class.
Student Academic Conduct: The University of Utah’s policies pertaining to Academic Misconduct and Dishonesty will be carefully observed and strictly enforced in this class. This policy can be found at Students will be held responsible for all academic policies and procedures listed in the Student Handbook, including plagiarism. Any instance of plagiarism, or other forms of misconduct, will result in a failing grade for that assignment and may also result in a failing grade for the course.
Wellness Statement: Personal concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, depression, cross-cultural differences, etc., can interfere with a student’s ability to succeed and thrive at the University of Utah. For helpful resources contact the Center for Student Wellness - 801-581-7776.
Accommodation Policy: Some of the readings, lectures, films, or presentations in this course may include material that may conflict with the core beliefs of some students. Please review the syllabus carefully to see if the course is one that you are committed to taking. If you have a concern, please discuss it with me at your earliest convenience. For more information, please consult the University of Utah’s Accommodations Policy, which appears at:
ADA Statement: Persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations to meet the expectations of this course are encouraged to bring this to the attention of the instructors as soon as possible. Written documentation of the disability should be submitted during the first week of the quarter along with the request for special accommodations. To do so, contact the Center for Disabled Student Service, 160 Union, 801-581-5020.
Certificate in International Relations: Some of you might be interested in obtaining a Certificate in International Relations. As the director of this program, I would be glad to tell you more about the certificate. This class can be used towards this program.
Fulbright Program: Also, you may be interested in teaching or doing research in a foreign country after graduation. The Fulbright Program is the largest international exchange program sponsored by the US Department of State. See me for more information.
STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE AND READING ASSIGNMENT
Aug. 22Course Introduction
Part I. Approaches to World Politics
Aug. 24The Study of World Politics
Mingst: Ch. 1
Readings: Snyder, “One World, Rival Theories”
Readings: Thucydides, “Melian Dialogue”
Readings: Kant, “Perpetual Peace”
Aug. 29Historical Context of World Politics
Mingst: Ch. 2
Readings: Wilson, “The Fourteen Points”
Readings: Kennan, “The Sources of Soviet Conduct”
Aug. 31/Sept. 7Contending Theories of International Politics
Mingst: Ch. 3
Readings: Morgenthau, “A Realist Theory of International Politics”
Readings: Doyle, “Liberalism and World Politics”
Readings: Wendt, “Anarchy is What States Make of It”
Sept. 5No Class
Part II.The Structure and Actors of International Politics
Sept. 12International System
Mingst: Ch. 4
Readings: Morgenthau, “The Balance of Power”
Readings: Christensen, “The China Challenge,” pp. 145-150
Sept. 14The Nation-State and State Power
Mingst: pp. 133-169
Readings: Krasner, “Sharing Sovereignty”
Sept. 19Challenges to the Nation-State
Mingst: pp. 169-178
Readings: Huntington, “The Clash of Civilizations?”
Sept. 21First Study Session
Sept. 26First Mid-Term Exam
Sept. 28The Role of the Individual in World Politics
Mingst: Ch. 6
Readings: Yarhi-Milo, “In the Eye of the Beholder,” pp. 237-242
Oct. 3International Organizations: United Nations and European Union
Mingst: pp. 209-240
Readings: Power, “Bystanders to Genocide: Why the United States Let the Rwandan Tragedy Happen”
Oct. 5Non-Governmental Organizations
Mingst: pp. 246-258
Readings: Keck and Sikkink, “Transnational Advocacy Networks”
Readings: Mearsheimer, “The False Promise of International Institutions”
Oct. 10, 12SPRING BREAK
Oct. 17International Law
Mingst: pp. 240-245
Part III. International Conflict
Oct. 19Causes of War
Mingst: pp. 261-277
Readings: Von Clausewitz, “War as an Instrument of Policy”
Readings: Schelling, “The Diplomacy of Violence”
Oct. 24Types of War
Mingst: pp. 277-291
Readings: Waltz, “Why Iran Should Get the Bomb: Nuclear Balancing Would Mean Stability”
Readings: Kydd, “The Strategies of Terrorism”
Oct. 26Second Study Session
Oct. 31Second Mid-Term Exam
Nov. 2Morality of War and Management of War
Mingst: pp. 293141-282
Readings: Finnemore, “Changing Norms of Humanitarian Intervention”
Part IV. International Economic Issues
Nov. 7Theories of International Political Economy
Mingst: pp. 317-324
Readings: Gilpin, “The Nature of Political Economy”
Nov. 9/14International Monetary and Trade Policies
Mingst: pp. 324-338
Readings: Daniel W. Drezner, “The Irony of Global Economic Governance”
Nov. 16/21 Global Economic Inequalities
Mingst: pp. 339-358
Readings:Milanovic:“Global Income Inequality by the Numbers” (Canvas)
Readings: Collier, “The Bottom Billion” (Canvas)
Readings: Stiglitz, “Globalism’s Discontents” (Canvas)
Part V. Transnational Issues
Nov. 23/28Global Environmental, Health, and Crime
Mingst: Ch. 11
Readings: Laurie Garrett, “Ebola’s Lessons”
Readings: Garrett, “The Tragedy of the Commons”
Nov. 30Human Rights Issues
Mingst: Ch. 10
Readings: Sen, “Universal Truths”
Dec. 5Future of International Politics
National Intelligence Council: “Global Trends 2030” (Canvas)
Dec. 7Final Study Session
Dec. 13Final Exam: 10:30 am-12:30 pm
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