Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - POL 342 D100

Developing Countries in Global Politics (4)

Class Number: 6185

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 17, 2019
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Problems arising from the disparities in power and wealth between the highly industrialized countries of Europe and North America, and the under-industrialized countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines the role and impact of ‘developing countries’ (the Global South) in world politics. Why do many issues on the contemporary international agenda involve conflict or disagreement between countries of the Global North and the countries of the Global South? How have the historical, political, legal, socio-economic and cultural structures of the international system affected the foreign policies of the Global South? What are the prospects for Global South-North and South-South cooperation? The course is divided into three parts. The first part examines the emergence of the Global South in the post-decolonization era, and their efforts towards solidarity, non-alignment, and global economic reform. The second part examines some contemporary global issues where differences between the Global South and North have been prominent including international trade, finance, and debt; international/regional security; human rights and human security; and environmental protection and conservation. Part three examines some prominent issues from the perspective of the main Global South regions (Africa, Central & South America/Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East).

A four-hour lecture/seminar per week. I will begin each class with an overview lecture, followed by class discussions and student presentations.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Presentation 20%
  • Research Paper 35%
  • Final Exam (Take-home) 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook. Required readings are available on canvas.

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://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