Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2017 - POL 141 D900

War, International Cooperation and Development (3)

Class Number: 7158

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2017
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Theory and practice of international politics, diplomacy, hot war, cold war, alliances and the role of leaders. Students who have taken POL 241 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

 What are the causes of conflict, violence and war in global politics? Why do states engage in war or cooperate in international institutions to prevent, manage and resolve international conflicts? Which actors and institutions are responsible for the preservation of world peace and security? We will critically engage these topics by exploring the changing dynamics of warfare, civil conflicts and terrorism from both western and non-western perspectives. The course is designed in three parts. Part one (I) will introduce students to basic concepts and contesting theories in the study of international relations. We will study foundational concepts such as power, authority, anarchy, sovereignty, interests, security, globalisation and interdependence. This part will also introduce students to mainstream theories and approaches in the study of international relations including realism, liberalism, constructivism, feminism and other critical perspectives. Part two (II) will assist students to apply these concepts and theories to analyse the past and contemporary issues in war, conflict management, security and development. We will examine the role of key actors and international organisations established to manage world peace and security at both global and regional levels. For instance, we will compare the rules of international cooperation for peace and security (norms on sovereignty and intervention) within the UN system with other regional governance initiatives in Africa, Asia and Europe. Part three (III) will analyse the devastating effects of war, conflict and violence on international development (poverty, hunger and inequality), health and human rights. Students will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to become informed global citizens at the end of this course.

There will be a two-hour (in class) lecture and one-hour tutorials. Tutorials begin in week 2.

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation/ Presentation 15%
  • Mid-Term Exams 25%
  • Research Paper 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

John Baylis, Patricia Owens, and Steve Smith (Eds). The Globalization of World Politics: An introduction to International Relations. Sixth edition (Oxford University Press, 2013.)
ISBN: 978-0-19-965617-2

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.
For details, see http://www.sfu.ca/politics/undergraduate/program/related_links.html and click on “Plagiarism and Intellectual Dishonesty” .

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS