Spring 2019 - IS 450W D100

Seminar on Global Problems in Interdisciplinary Perspective (4)

Class Number: 7535

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    International Studies major or honors students. 90 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An interdisciplinary course which aims to bring together different disciplinary perspectives on international affairs through the study of in-depth particular contemporary problems. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course brings together social science theory with concrete problems of international policy and practice, focusing on the development of research and writing skills relevant to defining, researching, and summarizing the key themes and challenges within diverse international issue arenas. The class prepares students for professional employment beyond academia through multiple opportunities for policy-oriented and analytical writing.

We will begin with contending theoretical approaches to thinking about international cooperation, and from there will move to the analysis of specific multilateral efforts at concrete problem-solving. The international policy issue arenas on which we will focus are global finance, climate change, human rights, humanitarian intervention, refugees, and efforts to promote ethical behavior by multinational corporations.

Common readings come from the assigned books. Students will also research their topics in both the academic literature and other credible policy-oriented sources, including the reports of international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and serious media outlets.

Grading

  • Literature review (1500 – 2500 words) 25%
  • Policy essay #1 (2000 – 3000 words) 25%
  • Policy essay #2 (2500 – 3500 words) 25%
  • Participation, Presentation, and Op Ed (800 – 1000 words) 25%

NOTES:

Students will be required to submit their written assignments to Turnitin.com in order to receive credit for the assignments and for the course.

The School for International Studies strictly enforces the University's policies regarding plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Information about these policies can be found at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Avant, Deborah D., Martha Finnemore, and Susan K. Sell, eds. 2010. Who Governs the Globe? Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Finnemore, Martha. 1996. National Interests in International Society. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.

Mattli, Walter and Ngaire Woods, eds. 2009. The Politics of Global Regulation. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Waltz, Kenneth N. 1979. Theory of International Politics. Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press. [Note that any edition is fine.]

* Additional readings on Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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