Mark A. Martinez CSU, Bakersfield
Fall 2004 Political Science 102
WORLD POLITICS
In this introductory course of world politics we examine the challenges that confront our world as we have struggled to make the transition from agricultural societies to industrial societies and, for some, toward post-industrial status. In particular we will look at how these distinct society’s impact politics in our world by focusing on how development levels are impacted by political, economic, and social structures. Here we will begin to understand some of the tensions that exist between what we call the modern developed world and vast majority of states and cultures that make up the developing world. To do so the first half of this course is designed to introduce the student to the political (liberalism) and organizational (nation-state) ideas that shaped the European continent and the West. In doing so, we look at the evolution of nationalism, the intellectual roots of classic liberalism (i.e. democracy and capitalism), and how “new” liberal ideologies (socialism, Marxism, fascism, etc.) shaped nation-states in the 19th and 20th century. In the second half of this course we look at some of the contemporary problems that confront nation-states by reviewing challenges to economic development. Here we focus on issues like globalization, terror, and other matters that frame our post-9/11 world.
Readings
In addition to various articles that may be distributed or placed in Library Reserve (which can be checked out at the front desk of the library), the following four books are required:
1. John Merriman, A History of Modern Europe: From the Renaissance to Napoleon, 2nd edition. NY, NY: Norton, 2004.
2. Carolina Maria de Jesus, Child of the Dark: The Diary of Carolina Maria de Jesus, (Translated from the Portuguese by David St. Clair). NY, NY: Mentor, 1963.
3. Daniel Yergin and Joseph Stanislaw, The Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy. NY, NY: Touchstone, 2002.
Grading and Course Requirements
Students will be required to take two (2) mid-term exams, present a five (5) page book review on Child of the Dark, make one in-class presentation from one of the chapters in The Commanding Heights, and take a final comprehensive exam. Although lectures and readings won’t necessarily coincide, students will be tested on their knowledge of both. The mid-terms and book review will count for 20% each, for a total of 60% of your final grade. The final exam will represent 30% of your final grade. The remaining 10% is based on your in-class presentation. Blue books are required for the mid-term and final exam. Failure to secure a blue book for the exam will result in a partial grade penalty on your exam grade; e.g. from a “B+” to a “B.” Similarly, everyone is required to attend class on the day your colleagues are making their presentations. Failure to attend will result in a full grade drop from your presentation grade.
Preparing Your Review & For Exams
Because political science is a field of observation and analysis, exams and submitted reports must be both well organized and analytical, and not merely descriptive. As such, successful exams and reports will exhibit the following elements:
1. Identify the key problems of the topic or issue at hand.
2. Identify and evaluate alternative point(s) of view.
3. Elaboration of your own argument.
Submitted book reviews will: be 3 pages in length, include a separate title page, be stapled, have page numbers, have proper margins, be double-spaced, contain 23 to 27 lines per page, be of 12 font, have proper citations, be presented in Courier, Times, or Times New Roman, and contain a suitable conclusion. In sum, scholarly style and presentation are expected. Deviations from these guidelines will count against your final paper grade.
Class Decorum / Electrical Equipment
It is my view that you are all mature adults who have made genuine commitments to your education. Part of making this commitment is being aware that you are participating in a public forum every time you enter class. For this reason I expect every student who attends class to follow basic public standards and university etiquette, and will:
1. Arrive on time.
2. Not talk during class lecture.
3. Not walk out in the middle of lecture (breaks will be given).
4. Not bring in anything to eat or snack on (something to drink is fine).
5. Be prepared to be active participants in your education process. This means that you adhere to the above four points and come prepared to do more than “just take notes.”
Because I believe you are committed to your education, I do not take roll, do not require attendance, and do not require you to call me if you are not going to be in class. The assumption is that you already understand the significance of being responsible students and recognize the importance of honoring your commitment to your education.
Similarly, it is expected that students will respect the environment of the class - and the wishes of other students - and turn off beepers, cell phones, or any other electrical equipment that have the potential for disrupting the continuity of class. Failure to respect these guidelines during class lecture will be treated with accordingly. Failure to respect these guidelines during a mid-term or final exam will result in an automatic five (5) point deduction from the exam grade of the offending party. If you believe you have a reason to be exempt from these “electrical” guidelines, please see me at your earliest convenience. In return for your undivided attention I promise to provide a constructive and intellectually stimulating classroom environment.
Make Up Exams / Late Assignments / extra credit
Medical emergencies notwithstanding, if you can not make it to the exams, or can not turn in your written assignment on time, you should drop this course. Put another way, printing problems, computer crashes, car problems, “I’m not on campus that day,” etc. are not acceptable excuses for suspending course deadlines and your commitment to this class.
Instructor Information
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Office: BDC 241 Office Hours: M-W-F 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Wed. 8:05 pm – 8:30 pm
Phone: 664-2352 (voice mail) E-Mail:
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PART I
From Agriculture Society to Nation-States & Industrial Society
Week 1: From simple society types to Feudalism
* Theme/Focus: The Evolution of Modern Political Thought & the Roots of Mass Political Order.
· Merriman: Chp. 1, “Medieval Legacies and Transforming Discoveries.”
Week 2: From feudalism to Renaissance, Reformation & Enlightenment
* Theme/Focus: The Scientific Revolution and Its Impact on Political Order and Change.
· Merriman: Chp. 2, “The Renaissance.”
· Merriman: Chp. 3, “The Two Reformations,” pp. 85-110 and 127-134.
· Merriman: Chp. 8, “The New Philosophy of Science,” pp. 156-172.
Week 3: from Empire(s) to Nationalism
* Theme/Focus: The Roots and Impact of Trade and Nationalism on State Relations.
· Merriman: Chp. 4, “The Wars of Religion,” pp. 156-172.
· Merriman: Chp. 5, “The Rise of the Atlantic Economy: Spain and England.”
· Merriman: Chp. 7, “The Age of Absolutism, 1650-1720.”
Week 4: toward our modern Liberal order
* Theme/Focus: Roots of Populism, Marxism, and Modernity.
· Merriman: Chp. 10, “Eighteenth-Century Economic and Social Change.”
· Merriman: Chp. 12, “The French Revolution.”
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- MID-TERM #1 -
Monday / October 11, 2004
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PART II
The Modern Liberal State, the Rise of Post-Industrial Societies and World Politics
Week 5: Rise of the the Modern Nation-State and “New Imperialism”
* Theme/Focus: The Political and Policy Roots of the Modern Bureaucratic State.
· Merriman: Chp. 12, “Napoleon and Europe.”
Week 6: Reinventing Liberalism – The Keynesian state
* Theme/Focus: Rise of the Modern Liberal Welfare State and Post-Industrial Society.
· Yergin and Stanislaw: Chp. 1, “Thirty Glorious Years: Europe’s Mixed Economy.”
· Yergin and Stanislaw: Chp. 2, “The Curse of Bigness: America’s Regulatory Capitalism.”
· On Reserve: Chp. 2, “From Liberal Welfare State to a Post-Industrial Democracy.” In John D. Nagle, Introduction to Comparative Politics: Challenges of Conflict and Change in a New Era, 5th Edition, (Chicago: Nelson Hall, 1998 [22-45 only]).
· On Reserve: Chp. 8, “Two Historic Transitions in Economic Development” In John D. Nagle, Introduction to Comparative Politics: Challenges of Conflict and Change in a New Era, 5th Edition, (Chicago: Nelson Hall, 1998 [182-209 only]).
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- Book Review Due -
Monday / October 25 / 11:00 am
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Week 7: Stuck in the 1st and 2nd Wave -- The Limits of Development
* Theme/Focus: Underdevelopment and its Impact on Global Relations.
· Yergin and Stanislaw: Chp. 3, “Tryst With Destiny: Rise of the Third World.”
· Additional Readings: Review Child of the Dark for discussion.
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- MID-TERM #2 -
Monday / November 1, 2004
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PART III
From Neoliberal Revolution to the Post-Cold War Era
Week 8: the thatcher-reagan neoliberal revolution
* Theme/Focus: The Impact of Post-Industrial Society on Social and Political Life.
· Yergin and Stanislaw: Chp. 4, “The Mad Monk: Britain’s Market Revolution.”
· Yergin and Stanislaw: Chp. 5, “Crisis of Confidence: The Global Critique.”
· Yergin and Stanislaw: Chp. 6, “Beyond the Miracle: Asia’s Emergence.”
Weeks 9: The journey “after communism”
* Theme/Focus: Why has the Post-Cold War Peace Failed to Bring Global Prosperity?
· Yergin and Stanislaw: Chp. 7, “The Color of the Cat: China’s Transformation.”
· Yergin and Stanislaw: Chp. 8, “After the Permit Raj: India’s Awakening.”
· Yergin and Stanislaw: Chp. 9, “Playing by the Rules: The New Game in Latin America.”
· Yergin and Stanislaw: Chp. 10, “The Commitment: Europe’s Search for a New Social Contract.”
· Suggested Readings:
- Nagle: Chp 3, “Affluent Consumerism - Now in Danger?”
- Nagle: Chp 4, “Social Equality - An Eroding Commitment.”
- Nagle: Chr. 6, “Quality of Life - The Disillusionment of Modernity.”
- Nagle: Chr. 9, “Social Equality - From State Egalitarianism to the New Inequalities.”
Week 10: The Emerging Global System and the Future of Politics
Theme/Focus: Change & Continuity in a Terror-Filled World.
· Yergin and Stanislaw: Chp. 12, “The Delayed Revolution: America’s New Balance.”
· Yergin and Stanislaw: Chp. 13, “The Age of Globalization: The Battle for the World Economy.”
· Yergin and Stanislaw: Chp. 14, “The Balance of Confidence: The New Rules of the Game.”
FINAL EXAM
Monday / November 29, 2004
11:00 am - 1:30 pm
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