GLOBAL ISSUES
POLITICAL SCIENCE 2401 (section-C1)
Fall 2015
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 am - 10:50 am
Cumming Campus – Room 160
Instructor:Dr. Raluca Viman-Miller
Department of Political Science
Office hours:Cumming Campus – Office 283 MWF 9 am – 10 am
Dahlonega Campus – DOB Room 117 T and TH 11 am -12:30 pm
or by appointment
Contact info:706-867-4525
If you do not receive a timely reply to your e-mail that means I did not receive your e-mail! You must e-mail me from your UNG student account to confirm that you are the one attempting to communicate. You must include your full name, class and section you are attending in the subject line (e.g. John Smith POLS 2401 D2). You must communicate with me using your UNG email address NOT the D2L account. Please e-mail me from your ung account to my ung account.
Course Description:
Students will analyze political, cultural, or socioeconomic interactions among people or organizations of the world. This course has been developed with a focus on the rapid nature of international change. A complete student of politics needs to be able to encompass in their daily analysis the potential of change coming from a variety of global issues. Also, a student of political science should be able to recognize the process of globalization, and its impact on our immediate lives. As the world is shrinking around us we are no longer able to ignore the world that surrounds us. The twenty-first century is characterized by a rapid process of globalization facilitated by technology, primarily in how it has affected our ability to communicate and travel faster, over larger areas. At the same time, parallel with the positive process of globalization, we are encountering problems that we did not face before, like terrorism. The world finds itself fighting a different kind of enemy: a global entity that takes advantage of the same technological developments. As the world becomes increasingly harder to protect we hope to analyze the role of international institutions, and to reassess the role of the nation state. Issues, like terrorism, that do not recognize borders, or are not localized to a specific boundary, have linked countries together in ways previously unfamiliar to them. This course will help you develop a critical mindset that enables you to examine and predict where these turn of events are taking us, and how they will shape our daily lives.
Texts and Readings:Joshua S. Goldstein and Jon C Pevehouse, International Relations (10 edition) 2013-2014 update.
MyPoliSciLab ( which includes practice tests, multimedia activities, and more to reinforce your understanding of the textbook.
One of the main national news papers to be read daily. You can subscribe on-line free of charge. Our meetings will address issues found in the media regarding contemporary issues. Failure to comply with your daily readings from the news paper will result in a poor participation grade.
CNN:
MSNBC:
Fox News:
New York Times
Washington Post
BBC News
Newspapers Online:
Middle East Times:
Watching America:
Hand-outs are part of the reading assignments. Please compile these in a binder and make sure you consult them for examinations.
If you need any of these documents in a different format please let me know.
Requirements: You are expected to actively participate in class discussions, have appropriate classroom conduct and respect the academic environment. As well, you are to show respect to your classmates by turning off your cell phones, pagers and any other communication devices you may have that could potentially disrupt the class. Do NOT consult your electronic devices during lectures. If you expect an important call or text please stand up and make use of your telephone in the hallway. I reserve the right to ask you to leave the classroom if I consider that your behavior is disruptive to the educational process. You must take notes. You are welcome to use a computer etc yet, if I observe that you make use of the computer to browse the internet or you use it in any other way that is not related to note taking you forfeit the right to use it in this class. If you choose to take notes on an electronic device you must be seated in the first or second row of seats.
Class begins at precisely 10:00 am and ends no later than 10:50 am. Do not disturb the class and potentially miss assignments or quizzes by entering late or leaving early. Do not start packing to leave prior to 10:50 am.
An attendance sheet will be circulated each day. Your presence in class will give you a great advantage during examinations due to the fact that certain material will only be available during class lectures. Also, questions from our free debates will be included in the examinations.
Most class sessions will combine some mix of lecture and discussion/debate. All students should come to class having read the assigned reading for the day, as lectures are designed to complement the readings, not summarize or substitute for them. Current events will be an integral part of the class sessions and may be included on the exams. Videos and guest speakers may also be used on occasion.
This syllabus is a proposed plan for the course. Deviations may be necessary; students will be notified in advance.
Additional mandatory material will be posted on line. You must pay attention to your D2L account. You are responsible for the communication and the material posted on line. It is part of the class requirements, no excuses will be accepted.
There is absolutely no tolerance for cheaters. Plagiarism means and F for the assignment and will result in failing the class indifferent of the rest of the grades. I will make sure that I clearly communicate with you what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it.No excuses are good enough, familiarize yourself with what plagiarism means, and if you are not sure ask me for more clarifications.
Students with disabilities must follow the university guidelines. Must present the disabilities paperwork in private and discuss in private all their needs prior to the beginning of the class. You must make sure that you understand all assignments and requirements for the class and if you have any need for additional adjustments you must make me aware ahead of time.
University policy and definition of disruptive behavior:
“Students who exhibit behaviors that are considered to obstruct or disrupt the class or its learning activities are subject to sanctions under the Board of Regents Policy on Disruptive Behavior. Behaviors which may be considered inappropriate in the classroom includes, but is not limited to, sleeping, coming in late, talking out of turn, inappropriate use of laptops or mobile devices, verbal behavior that is disrespectful of other students or the faculty member, or other behaviors that may be disruptive. Students who exhibit such behavior may be temporarily dismissed from the class by the instructor and will be subject to disciplinary procedures outlined in the Student Handbook.”
For additional information please consult:
We will go over the policies in detail during first class!
Grading system: The grades will be based on the following scale. You can achieve a total of 1000 points during this class this semester.
1. exam one200 points
2. exam two200 points
3. exam three200 points
4. 3 map quizzes3 X 50 = 150 points
5. participation 100 points (50 points extra credit for exceptional participation)
6. written assignment150 points
1050-900A
899-800B
799-700C
699-600D
less than 600 F
Exams: Each is worth 200 points out of your final grade. Be assured that if you have done your readings and participated actively in class so you can score the maximum number of points. NO make up exams available except under EXTRAORDINARY and DOCUMENTED circumstances.Bring pencils and scantrons.
Quizzes: There are going to be three announcedmap quizzes during this course. You will need to be able to locate countries on a blank map. There isabsolutely NO possibility to make up map quizzes.
Participation: Your class participation is very important. They will count for 10% of your grade but as you can see, you can obtain extra credit by being active in class. I expect active debates over the issues discussed in class – your physical presence alone does not count towards the full 100 points out of your final grade. I will communicate with you in mass via Desire2Learn. You must check D2L often in order to keep informed. I will post your grades on D2L. If you have any school related events that will prevent you from attending class, please provide a written excuse in advance. More than six absences during the entire semester will result in a failing grade (F). You must present valid and written excuses for missing class. A hand written note from a parent does not constitute an excuse. Doctor excuses will be verified. I will also not discuss your situation via e-mail with a parent or any other relative or friend except a legal document is provided. I will only communicate to YOU and via UNG.EDU e-mail accounts.
Paper: you will receive separate and detailed information about the written assignment in class and on D2L. You will use TURNITIN.COM. You will be provided with information about how to use that specific tool. This information (written assignment instructions, requirements, expectations, TURNITIN.COM log and password etc) will also be available to you on D2L. You must turn in your written assignment precisely on the day it is due. You must also provide a hard copy on the day requested in class. The two versions must be identical. Both, electronic (Turnitin) and hard copy must be turned in on time in order to receive credit for your written assignment. Absolutely no excuses will be accepted and no late submissions will be graded. Failure to bring hard copy to class or upload digital version constitutes failure to turn in assignment!!!
Class ID: 10327451 password: c1c2d7
You need to type your paper and any other assignment. You MUST staple your assignments I do not carry a stapler to class!!! It needs to be double spaced with one inch margins and using a 12-point font Times New Roman. The papers will be evaluated based on the quality of the arguments and analysis, organization, clarity, grammar and style and adequacy and correctness of citation. Make sure you make a clear distinction between your ideas and the ones obtained from different sources. Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism and web sources are not excluded from this rule. No need for an abstract. You must have a cover page which will have all relevant information such as title, name, class, date etc. Citation style requested is APA
Link available on D2L, print a copy,consult and be accurate!!!
Course Topics and Outline:
August 17Introduction
August 19The Globalization of International Relations
Read: Chapter 1: The Globalization of International Relations
Globalization, International Relations, and Daily Life
Core Principles
IR as a Field of Study
Actors and Influences
State Actors
Nonstate Actors
Levels of Analysis
Globalization
Global Geography
The Evolving International System
The Two World Wars, 1900—1950
The Cold War, 1945—1990
The Post—Cold War Era, 1990—2012
August 21The Globalization of International Relations
August 24The Globalization of International Relations
August 26Realist Theories
Read: Chapter 2: Realist Theories
Realism
Power
Defining Power
Estimating Power
Elements of Power
The International System
Anarchy and Sovereignty
Balance of Power
Great Powers and Middle Powers
Power Distribution
Hegemony
The Great Power System, 1500—2000
Alliances
Purposes of Alliances
NATO
Other Alliances
Regional Alignments
Strategy
Statecraft
Rationality in International Relations
The Prisoner’s Dilemma
August 28Realist Theories
August 31Realist Theories
September 2Realist Theories
September 4Liberal and Social Theories
Read: Chapter 3: Liberal and Social Theories
The Waning of War
Liberal Theories
Kant and Peace
Liberal Institutionalism
International Regimes
Collective Security
The Democratic Peace
Social Theories
Identities and Ideas Matter
Postmodernism
Marxism
Peace Studies
Gender Theories
Why Gender Matters
The Masculinity of Realism
Gender in War and Peace
Women in IR
Difference Feminism versus Liberal Feminism?
Postmodern Feminism
September 7 Labour Day
September 9Liberal and Social Theories
September 11Liberal and Social Theories
September 14Foreign Policy
Read: Chapter 4: Foreign Policy
Making Foreign Policy
Models of Decision Making
Individual Decision Makers
Group Psychology
Crisis Management
Domestic Influences
Bureaucracies
Interest Groups
The Military-Industrial Complex
Public Opinion
Legislatures
Making Foreign Policy
September 16Foreign Policy
September 18Foreign Policy
September 21Review (and reserve)
September 23Exam 1
September 25International Conflict(Map quiz 1)
Read: Chapter 5: International Conflict
The Wars of the World
Types of War
Theories of the Causes of War
Conflicts of Ideas
Nationalism
Ethnic Conflict
Genocide
Religious Conflict
Ideological Conflict
Conflicts of Interest
Territorial Disputes
Control of Governments
Economic Conflict
September 28International Conflict
September 30International Conflict
October 2Military Force and Terrorism
Read: Chapter 6: Military Force and Terrorism
Conventional Forces
Land Forces: Controlling Territory
Naval Forces: Controlling the Seas
Air Forces: Controlling the Skies
Coordinating Forces: Logistics and Intelligence
Evolving Technologies
Terrorism
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Nuclear Weapons
Ballistic Missiles and Other Delivery Systems
Chemical and Biological Weapons
Proliferation
Nuclear Strategy and Arms Control
States and Militaries
Military Economics
Control of Military Forces
Civil-Military Relations
October 5Military Force and Terrorism
October 7Military Force and Terrorism
October 9International Organization, Law, and Human Rights
Read: Chapter 7: International Organization, Law, and Human Rights
Roles of International Organizations
The United Nations
The UN System
The Security Council
Peacekeeping Forces
The Secretariat
The General Assembly
UN Programs
Autonomous Agencies
International Law
Sources of International Law
Enforcement of International Law
The World Court
International Cases in National Courts
Law and Sovereignty
Laws of Diplomacy
Just War Doctrine
Human Rights
Individual Rights versus Sovereignty
Human Rights Institutions
War Crimes
The Evolution of World Order
October 12th, last day to withdraw and possibly receive a "W". Ultimately it is your responsibility to withdraw from the class without academic penalty. Do not assume I will automatically drop you if you stop attending class.
October 12International Organization, Law, and Human Rights
October 14International Organization, Law, and Human Rights
October 16International Trade
Read: Chapter 8: International Trade
Theories of Trade
Liberalism and Mercantilism
Comparative Advantage
Political Interference in Markets
Protectionism
Trade Regimes
The World Trade Organization
Bilateral and Regional Agreements
Cartels
Industries and Interest Groups
Enforcement of Trade Rules
Economic Globalization
The Evolving World Economy
Resistance to Trade
October 19International Trade
October 21International Trade
October 23Review (and reserve)
October 26Exam 2
October 28Global Finance and Business(Map quiz 2)
Read: Chapter 9: Global Finance and Business
Globalization and Finance
The Currency System
About Money
International Currency Exchange
Why Currencies Rise or Fall
Central Banks
The World Bank and the IMF
State Financial Positions
National Accounts
International Debt
The Position of the United States
The Position of Russia and Eastern Europe
The Position of Asia
Multinational Business
Multinational Corporations
Foreign Direct Investment
Host and Home Government Relations
October 30Global Finance and Business
November 2Global Finance and Business
November 4Environment and Population
Read: Chapter 11: Environment and Population
Interdependence and the Environment
Sustainable Development
Managing the Environment
The Atmosphere
Biodiversity
Forests and Oceans
Pollution
Natural Resources
World Energy
Minerals
Water Disputes
Population
The Demographic Transition
Population Policies
Disease
November 6Environment and Population
November 9Environment and Population
November 11The North-South Gap
Read: Chapter 12: The North-South Gap
The State of the South
Basic Human Needs
World Hunger
Rural and Urban Populations
Women in Development
Migration and Refugees
Theories of Accumulation
Economic Accumulation
The World-System
Imperialism
World Civilizations
History of Imperialism, 1500—2000
Effects of Colonialism
Postcolonial Dependency
Revolutionary Movements
November 13The North-South Gap
November 16The North-South Gap
November 18The North-South Gap
Written assignment due hard copy in class. Must follow the described format.
Written assignment due November 18th using TURNITIN.COM by midnight.
November 20International Development(map quiz 3)
Read: Chapter 13: International Development
Experiences
The Newly Industrializing Countries
The Chinese Experience
India Takes Off
Other Experiments
Lessons
Import Substitution and Export-Led Growth
Concentrating Capital for Manufacturing
Corruption
North-South Capital Flows
Foreign Investment
North-South Debt
IMF Conditionality
The South in International Economic Regimes
Foreign Assistance
Patterns of Foreign Assistance
Types of Foreign Assistance
The Politics of Foreign Assistance
The Impact of Foreign Assistance
November 23-28Thanksgiving Holiday (college closed)
November 30International Development
December 1International Development
December 3Review (and reserve)
December 4Final Review
December 11Exam #3 (final exam) 10:20 am – 12:20 am
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