You may not use any electronic device during class unless I give you explicit permission.
If you ignore this rule, I will: 1) lower your course grade; 2) never write a letter of recommendation for you; 3) be mean to you.
PS102 Introduction to International Politics
http://jcsites.juniata.edu/faculty/nagengast/courses.htm
Emil Nagengast Spring 2018
MWF 1:00-2:15 G302
Office: Good Hall 316
Office Hours: M,T,W,Th,F 12:00-1:00 and by appointment
COURSE OVERVIEW:
My aim this semester is to help you understand and care about the world outside the borders of the United States. I have designed this course to benefit the full spectrum of students: those who have limited academic exposure to world politics, as well as those who intend to pursue further coursework in related areas. The first part of the course deals with philosophical and historical themes which frame the core questions concerning the process of "globalization." In the second part of the course we examine the most important international organizations and assess them from the perspective of various theoretical frameworks.
Most of our readings, lectures and class discussions are attempts to answer these three questions, and to apply our answers to international politics:
1) Who/what defines justice?
2) What is the proper role of the state (government)?
3) Who is part of your community?
COURSE EXPECTATIONS:
I expect intelligent participation in the classroom from all students. The exams are structured in a way which severely punishes anyone who has missed class. You must keep up with the reading or you will suffer on the exams. In addition to the two exams, all students must complete the writing assignments (which will be explained in class). There will be NO make-up exams. The only exceptions are for a documented medical problem or a death in the family. In either case, I will need to receive confirmation from the Dean of Students’ office. Similarly, you must take the final exam on the date specified by the registrar’s office.
There will also be quizzes throughout the semester on the assigned readings. Some of these quizzes will be announced and some will be surprise quizzes. If you miss class on the day of a quiz you will not be allowed to make up the quiz. The only exception will be if you: 1) inform me prior to the class that you will not be attending, and 2) you bring me legitimate documentation from a qualified medical expert (or from the Dean of Students office) after the class to justify your absence.
If you have a diagnosed learning difference you must inform me prior to any exams, quizzes and the paper due date so that I can make the appropriate arrangements for you.
March 16 is the last day that you may withdraw from this course.
Disability Accommodations
Juniata College is committed to providing equitable access for learning opportunities to students with documented disabilities (e.g. mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical) under the American Disabilities Act. To ensure access to this class, please contact Patty Klug, Coordinator of Disability Services, at or at 814-641-5840 to engage in a confidential conversation about the process for requesting reasonable accommodations in the classroom. Accommodations are not provided retroactively, so students are encouraged to register with the Disability Services preferably by the start of the semester and before the Drop/Add period; however, requests can be made at any time. Note that students must obtain a new letter of reasonable accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. Students are strongly encouraged to deliver letters of reasonable accommodation during faculty office hours or by appointment. Juniata College encourages students to access all resources available through Academic Support in the office of QUEST for consistent support and access to their classes. More information can be found online at Juniata.edu under Academic Support Services and “Disability Services,” or by contacting the office at 814-641-3160.
REQUIRED TEXT: (available in the bookstore)
Kelly-Kate Pease International Organizations (5th edition)
(Additional readings and films will be assigned throughout the semester)
COURSE GRADE:
Quizzes = 25 %
Midterm Exam = 30%
Final Exam = 30%
Writing assignments = 15%
COURSE SCHEDULE WITH REQUIRED READINGS
(I will change this schedule often. Required readings and schedule changes will be announced in class. If you miss class, you are responsible for finding out – from your classmates – any changes that were announced.)
January 22 Introduction
Jan 24 through Feb 7 Realism
Thucydides "The Melian Dialogue"http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/melian.htm
Robert Kaplan "The Return of Ancient Times"
Excerpts from Thomas Hobbes The Leviathan http://history.hanover.edu/courses/excerpts/111hob.html
Hans Morgenthau “Six Principles of Political Realism” http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/morg6.htm
Pease, pages 43-59
Feb 9 through 23 Liberalism
The Evolution of Trust
Jeremy Rifkin "The Empathic Civilization"
Kant's "Perpetual Peace" http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/kant/kant1.htm
Wilson "The World Must Be Made Safe for Democracy" http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/1917/wilswarm.html
Excerpts from John Locke http://history.hanover.edu/courses/excerpts/111locke.html
Excerpts from Adam Smith http://history.hanover.edu/courses/excerpts/111smith.html
Pease, pages 59-76
Feb 26 through March 7 Marxism
Marx and Engels "The Communist Manifesto"
http://history.hanover.edu/courses/excerpts/111marx.html
The Matrix (find and watch the movie)
“The Philosophy of The Matrix”
Pease, pages 76-92
March 9, 12, 14 Feminism
Pease, pages 92-105
March 16 MIDTERM EXAM
March 26, 28, 30 International Organizations
Pease, Chapters 1, 2
April 2, 4, 6 Security
Pease, Chapter 5
April 9, 11, 13 Trade and Development
Pease, Chapters 6, 7
April 16, 18, 20 Environment
Pease, Chapter 8
April 23, 25, 27, 30, May 2 Human Rights
Pease, Chapter 9
May 4 Global Governance in 2025
Pease, Chapter 10
May 7 Conclusions
Final Exam: May 15 9:00AM