Political Science 230Spring 2015

Political Science 230Spring 2015

Ricardo Salas, InstructorM/W11:45a-1:10p

Office Rm: 1320-05, Office Hr: 9:00a-10:10a, M/WSec.# 21059

Ph (714) 992-7525e-mail:

Website: Rm.1421

Introduction To International Relations

SYLLABUS

Two books are required for Political Science 230, Michael Roskin & Nicholas Berry's 9th edition, "The New World of International Relations," and Ann Kelleher and Laura Klein Ed. 4., "Global Perspectives." A Study Guide will be placed at my website. A hard copy of the study guide will also be placed on reserve in the library. The Study Guide is critical for helping prepare students for each of the 4 semester exams.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOAs): At the conclusion of this course students will be able to

1. understand the theories and philosophical principles that are applied to the study of the international political system.

2. apply those theories and philosophical principles to the historical development of the international political system, including the conflict between the realist versus the liberal school, diplomacy, deterrence theory, the role of international organizations (UN, IMF, WTO), globalization.

3. become familiar with the workings of the domestic institutions, both public and private, that direct American foreign policy, such as the American State Department, Defense Department, CIA, and the NSC as well as interest groups, and public policy think tanks that directly impact international relations.

4. identify some of the critical periods in the evolution of international relations in general, and American foreign policy in particular that affect international relations.

Final grades will be tabulated based on the following:

Exam125%Feb. 18

"225%Mar. 25

"325%Apr. 27

"425%May 20

Comprehensive25%May 18 (Replaces the lowest Exam score)

EXAMINATIONS

There will be 4 examinations given to students throughout the semester. Each of these examinations will be structurally designed the same way—There will be 50 questions, 15 True/False, 15 Multiple Choice, 10 Definitions, and 10 Fill-in questions. Each exam represents 25% of a student’s grade.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

An optional Comprehensive Examination will be provided on the last day of the course for those students hoping to improve their grades. This exam will include 50 questions selected from material covered for the first three examinations. The Comprehensive Examination replaces the lowest score from the 4 exams given throughout the semester.

SCRANTON FORM 883e

Each exam requires a Scantron Form 883e and a no. 2 pencil. Students will purchase 4 Scantrons and give them to the instructor prior to the first examination. If a student chooses to take the Comprehensive Examination, he/she will provide an additional Scantron Form 883e prior to its scheduled date.

STUDY GUIDE

A study guide is provided to help prepare students for each of the exams throughout the semester. The exams themselves are designed from the questions in the Study Guide. Students can receive their Study Guide by simply visiting my Website at and downloading it as the semester progresses.

LATE EXAMINATIONS

There are no late examinations given. If a student misses an examination on the scheduled day and time, he/she mayhave to take the Comprehensive Examination on the last day of class.

ATTENDANCE

A student is allowed 6 tardies or 4 absences before being penalized. If a student needs to leave class early, notify the instructor prior to class (unless there is an emergency). Early exits will count as an absence. After the sixth tardy a student will receive a 1% deduction for each additional tardy. After the fourthabsence, a student will receive a 1.5% deduction for each

additional absence.

If a student arrives 25 minutes late to class, it will also count as an absence.

The last day to drop classes to receive a “W” is Sunday, April 26.

Computers, Cel Phones, Ipods,

& other electronic devices

During lecture all electronic devices, including computers, cell phones, and Ipods, can be used until a student disrupts the class (cell phone going off). Whenever anelectronic device goes off during lecture, the student will be excused from the class. If anelectronic device goes off during an exam day, 5 percent will be deducted from the students exam score. No answering of cell phones in class, no text-messaging during class. Violations will result in a student being excused from class. And if the violations continue, a student will be dropped from the class.

Seating Chart

A seating chart will be announced. Any student refusing to sit where assigned by the instructor will be dropped from the class.

If any student/students interrupt and disrupt the instructor's, use vulgarities, or in any way try to intimidate or threaten the instructor or other students, he/she will be immediately dropped from the class.

Jan. 26Introduction: An Overview of the Course

28Roskin, pgs. 2-10. "Power & Systems in Transformation"

Kelleher, pgs 1-6. Intro ... to the Modern World

Feb.2Roskin, pgs. 10-19. "What Kind of New System?"

Kelleher, pgs. 6-17. "Early European Expansion

4Roskin, pgs. 40-45, "America’s Changing National Interests."

Kelleher, pgs. 17-25. Post War War II TRENDS

9Roskin, pgs. 45-55, "Imperialism."

Kelleher,pgs.26-30,"Ethnicity & Global Diversity."

11Preparation for Exam

16President’s Day (Holiday)

18Examination 1 (Bring a No. 2 Pencil)

23Roskin, pgs.56-64, "Vietnam & the Warping of National Interest"

Kelleher, pgs. 48-51, Perspectives on Diversity

25Roskin, pgs. 64-71, "LBJ: Victim or Villain?"

Kelleher, pgs. 51-52, "State Primacy."

Mar.2 Roskin, pgs. 94-101, Can the U.S. Lead the World?

Kelleher, pgs. 52-63, "Critiques from the State Global Perspective."

4Roskin, pgs. 101-109, "A Contrary Congress."

Kelleher, pgs. 70-73, "Economic Development."

9Roskin, pgs. 72-76, "Russia & Geopolitics"

Kelleher, pgs. 74-79. "Underdevelopment: A Vicious Cycle."

11Roskin, pgs. 76-80, "Spreading the Revolution."

Kelleher, pgs. 79-84, "Outside Interventions."

16Roskin, pgs. 81-86, "The Decline of the Soviet Union"

18Roskin, pgs. 86-93, "Why the Soviet Collapse"

Kelleher, pgs. 85-87. "Lack of Social Cohesion."

23Preparation for Examination 2

25Examination 2 (Bring a No. 2 Pencil)

Spring Recess-Mar. 30. thru Apr. 5

Apr. 6Roskin, pgs. 111-125, "The Global South."

Kelleher, pgs. 95-100. "Perspectives on Economic Development."

8Kelleher, pgs. 100-106. "International Economic System."

13Roskin, pgs. 126-132, "Eternal Warfare..."

Kelleher, pgs. 115-117, "Global Health"

15Roskin, pgs. 132-141, "The 1956 War."

Kelleher, pgs. 117-121, "Threats To Critical Resources"

20Roskin, pgs. 160-166, "The Troubled Americas."

Kelleher, pgs. 121-125, "Water."

22Roskin, pgs. 167-175, "Pattern U.S. Interven..."

Kelleher, pgs. 125-132, Plants & Animals."

Preparation for Examination 3

April 26 is the last day to drop classes to receive a “W” grade.

27Examination 3 (Bring a No. 2 Pencil)

29Roskin, pgs. 176-182, "Economic Development: The Rich & the Poor."

Kelleher, pgs. 163-167, "Peace & War."

May4Roskin, pgs. 182-186, "Population Explosion"

Kelleher, pgs 167-174. "Effects of Globalization"

6Roskin, pgs. 187-191, "Socialist vs Market Paths."

Kelleher, pgs. 174-178. "Balance of Power Strategies."

11 Roskin, pgs. 194-197, "The Causes of Interstate Conflict"

Kelleher, pgs. 178-182, "International Rule of Law Strategies."

13 Roskin, pgs. 198-207, "Macro Theories of War."

Kelleher, pgs. 182-187, "Afghanistan & Iraq Wars"

Preparation for Examination 4

18Comprehensive Examination

20Exam 4 (Bring a No. 2 Pencil)

SCALE FOR DETERMINING GRADES

A90% to 100%

B 80% to 89%

C65% to 79%

D56% to 64%

F 0% to 55%

A:SIRS15

1